/ 7 June 2004

Reagan: South Africa offers condolences

The South African government on Sunday offered its condolences to the United States following the death of former President Ronald Reagan.

Reagan, who suffered from a long bout with Alzheimer’s disease, died on Saturday at the age of 93 at his home in Bel Air in southern California.

Spokesperson for the department of foreign affairs, Ronnie Mamoepa, said in a message of support to United States President George Bush: ”On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, please accept our sincere condolences during this time of bereavement.

”Our thoughts and prayers reach out to the government and people of the United States of America and in particular his wife, Nancy, and their two children.”

A national funeral for Reagan will be held on Friday in Washington’s National Cathedral. – Sapa