Archbishop pays tribute to Van Zyl Slabbert

The Aglican Archbishop of Cape Town has praised the late Frederik Van Zyl Slabber for his role in South Africa’s peaceful transition to democracy.

Van Zyl Slabbert’s courageous foresight and persistence made a significant contribution to South Africa’s ability to make a peaceful transition, Dr Thabo Makgoba, the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town said on Saturday.

I heard of his death while on a visit to Ulundi and Nquthu, areas that were so very troubled during our passage to democracy that at times the whole enterprise seemed at risk,” Makgoba said in a statement.

“Reminded of how fragile our journey was, I give heartfelt thanks to God for Dr Van Zyl Slabbert, whose courageous foresight and persistence, and commitment to political and social justice, made a significant contribution to our ability finally to make a peaceful transition to a better future.”

Makgoba extended “the sincere condolences of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa” to Slabbert’s family and friends.

Slabbert, 70, died at his home in Johannesburg on Friday.—Sapa