inauguration of United States of America (USA) President-elect Barack
Obama
19 January 2009
Pretoria: South African Ambassador to Washington District of Columbia (DC),
Welile Nhlapo will on Tuesday, 20 January 2009 represent South Africa at the
inauguration ceremony of the United States of America's (USAs) President-elect
Barrack Obama, scheduled for later in the day.
This is in line with the official communiqué from the American authorities
which has advised governments across the world that no invitations will be
issued to foreign delegations to attend the inauguration ceremony.
In this regard, South Africa like all other countries will be represented at
the inauguration ceremony at an ambassadorial level. Accordingly, Ambassador
Welile Nhlapo who is accredited to Washington DC will represent President
Kgalema Motlanthe, the government and people of our country at the
ceremony.
In this regard, the South African government wishes to reiterate President
Motlanthe's congratulatory message to President-elect Barrack Obama following
his historic victory "Your election to this high office of the American people
carries with it hope for millions of your country men and women as much as it
is for millions of people of particularly of the African descent both in the
continent of Africa as well as those in the Diaspora."
"In this regard, they too, express the hope that your election to the
Presidency of the United States of America will indeed contribute significantly
to efforts in the continent of Africa to help bring about "change they can
believe in" to create a better life for all" continued President Motlanthe.
"Accordingly, Africa which today stands proud of your achievements, can only
but look forward to a fruitful working relationship with you both at a
bilateral and multilateral levels in our endeavour to create a better world for
all who live in it."
"We express the hope that poverty and under-development in Africa which
remains a challenge for humanity will indeed continue to receive a greater
attention of the focus of the new administration."
"South Africa looks forward to working with you, Your Excellency, in the
consolidation of the strategic bilateral political, economic, trade and social
relations between our two governments and peoples."
"We wish you, Your Excellency, a fruitful and healthy life during your
tenure as President of United States of America" concluded President
Motlanthe.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
19 January 2009
