hospital
7 April 2006
Pretoria - South African Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini
Zuma, was admitted and operated upon at a Pretoria hospital on Thursday, 6
April 2006, announced Foreign Affairs Director-General, Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba.
"Minister Dlamini Zuma was admitted to a Pretoria hospital where she underwent
a successful operation, which was conducted on Thursday, 6 April.
"This was a planned operation whose timing was discussed some time back
between the medical team and Minister Dlamini Zuma with due regard to her wish
to cause the least disruption to her programme". In this regard, Minister
Dlamini Zuma is stable and currently recuperating from the operation in
hospital," said Dr Ntsaluba.
"Minister Dlamini Zuma will need to recuperate fully and be away from
official duties for a period of about three weeks as suggested by the Head of
the Medical team.
"Consequently, Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya, will for
the duration of the recuperation period, assume the responsibility as Acting
Minister of Foreign Affairs, while the day to day duties will be carried by the
two Foreign Affairs Deputy Ministers Aziz Pahad and Sue van der Merwe,"
continued Dr Ntsaluba.
"On behalf of President Thabo Mbeki, the government and the family of
Minister Dlamini Zuma we extend our gratitude and appreciation to the medical
team that is taking care of her. In this regard, the thoughts and prayers of
the entire government reaches to Minister Dlamini Zuma as she recuperates from
the operation," concluded Dr Ntsaluba.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
7 April 2006
Source: SAPA
