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Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma signs the condolence book.

ADDIS ABABA – A book of condolences has been opened today at the Headquarters of the African Union in memory of late President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela to allow the African Union officials and staff to pay their respects to the man most Africans consider as their hero.

Upon her return the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr.  Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, opened the signing of the condolence book at the South African Embassy in Addis Ababa, followed by Members of the Diplomatic Corps in Addis Ababa.

She also opened the signing of the condolence book at the AU headquarters in honor of the departed “Giant” as she described Mr. Mandela. While at the South African Embassy, Dr. Dlamini Zuma had a tete-a-tete with the South African Ambassador, Mr. Ndumiso DCP signingNtshinga and expressed her condolences to the staff of the embassy. In an interview granted to BBC shortly after, Dr. Dlamini Zuma said the story of late President Nelson Mandela is so much the story of the people of South Africa. “He was a father, with great qualities, humble, friendly, open and always ready to listen to others” she said.

The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Erastus Mwencha also signed the condolence book along side some Commissioners and staff of the AU.

The book of condolence is opened to the public ahead of the memorial service to be organised by the African Union tomorrow Sunday 8 December 2013 as from 17:00 hours in the plenary hall at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

COMThe African Union flag as well as flags of Member States have been flown since Friday 6 December at half mast in the AU premises. – African Union Commission.