Scott-King
31 January 2006
President Thabo Mbeki today lamented the death of Mrs Coretta Scott-King".
In a special message, President Mbeki said: "With the death of Coretta
Scott-King, the world has lost yet another great human being who, through the
sacrifices that she and her family made to the cause of freedom, never wavered
in the face of immense adversity".
President Mbeki went on to say: "Mrs Scott-King, with the full support of
her husband, the late Dr Martin Luther King Jr., was a tireless worker for a
new and just order, the impact of which defied geographical borders. Indeed,
many of the world's downtrodden and oppressed drew inspiration from their brave
and courageous mission. In our own struggle against apartheid in South Africa,
Coretta and Dr Martin Luther King were at all times a towering presence, who,
through their experiences, provided guidance, inspiration and indeed, helped us
to maintain the unshakable belief that we, too, would overcome.
By bearing the harrowing experience of her husband's assassination with such
fortitude and dignity, she endeared herself to countless numbers of people in
South Africa and the world at large.
"Our hearts go out to the Scott and King families as we salute our good
friend, Coretta" President Mbeki said, adding that, on behalf of the people and
Government of South Africa, he was extending his heartfelt condolences to the
Scott and the King families at the loss of a gallant sister in the
struggle.
Issued by: The Presidency
31 January 2006
Source: SAPA
