The President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Jacob Zuma, has on behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, conveyed a message of condolences to the government and the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran, following the passing of former President and Chairperson of Iran’s Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

The former President passed away at the age 82 after a lifetime of selfless service to the Iranian people.

President Zuma said: "South Africa acknowledges President Rafsanjani’s pioneering spirit in establishing stronger trade and political ties with African countries and South Africa in particular during his term as the President of Iran".

President Zuma said the people of South Africa share the loss of the Iranian people and stand with them in this time of grief and mourning.

Issued by Department of International Relations and Cooperation