Issued by: The Office of the President
17 December 1996 Mrs. Ingaret van der Post c/o South African High Commission London.
Dear Mrs. van der Post,
I was most saddened to learn of the passing away of your Husband, Laurens van der Post.
Laurens van der Post could, by virtue of his birth, have embraced a life of privilege in our divided country and with it the dehumanis- ing view of most South Africans which blunted the conscience of the ruling minority. Instead he was driven by a larger vision to affirm the common humanity of all who share our land and our continent as their home. Through his life's work, he used his talent and his passion to help break through the veil of self-imposed ignorance.
Such spirits, treading a lonely path ahead of their time, helped lay the foundations of our Rainbow Nation.
Please accept my condolences and be assured that my thoughts are with you and your daughter at this time of loss.
Yours sincerely (signed)
Nelson Mandela President Republic of South Africa.