former Prime Minister and State President PW Botha
1 November 2006
We received news of the passing away of the former Prime Minister and State
President PW Botha at his Wilderness home last night.
On behalf of the government and people of South Africa we express our
heartfelt condolences to his wife and the rest of the family, who have lost a
husband, father and grandfather.
Mr Botha took over the reigns of government at a difficult time in the
history of our country. It stands to his credit that when he realised the
futility of fighting against what was right and inevitable, he, in his own way,
realised that South Africans had no alternative but to reach out to one
another.
In this hour of need our thoughts and prayers go to his family.
May his soul rest in peace!
Issued by: The Presidency
1 November 2006
