T Mbeki arrives in Liberia ahead of inauguration of President

16 January 2005

Monrovia – South African President Thabo Mbeki today, Monday 16 January
2006, arrived in Monrovia, Liberia, where he is scheduled to attend the
inauguration of Africa’s first female Head of State, Liberian President Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf.

President Thabo Mbeki will be supported by Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana
Dlamini Zuma who today Monday, 16 January 2006, departed from Côte d’Ivoire for
Liberia. President Thabo Mbeki on 24 November 2005 conveyed the congratulations
of the South African government and people to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on her
election saying, "Your election is indeed a victory not only for Liberian women
in particular but also represents a beacon of hope for women in Africa and the
world in general. It most eloquently makes the unequivocal statement that,
indeed, a new dawn has arrived for African women."

President Thabo Mbeki also assured the President-elect that the South
African government stands ready and committed to assist in the country’s
steadfast movement toward the consolidation of democracy and good
governance.

President Thabo Mbeki is expected to return to South Africa on Monday, 16
January 2006.

Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
16 January 2006