President Ramaphosa mourns the passing away of Ambassador Sipho George Nene

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sincerest condolences at the passing away of veteran diplomat Ambassador Sipho George Nene.

As a member of the African National Congress, Ambassador Nene served the organisation during exile in Lusaka, Zambia, before joining the diplomatic service of a liberated South Africa in 1994.

He was appointed as South Africa’s first High Commissioner to the Republic of Nigeria and later served as South Africa’s ambassador to Switzerland.

During his tenure as Deputy Director-General: Multilateral Affairs, Ambassador Nene advanced South Africa’s interests in a broad range of international fora.

“We have lost a special patriot and career diplomat who flew our flag with distinction and dedicated his period in exile to mobilising our region and continent to secure the liberation of   our country,” President Ramaphosa said.

“Through his leadership in our diplomatic service, Ambassador Nene was instrumental in preparing South Africa’s emerging diplomatic representatives for the dynamics and demands of a rapidly changing world. His contribution therefore lives on South Africa’s regional, continental and global relations.”

Ambassador Nene retired from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation two years ago.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 0728545707.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria