Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
27 July 2000
The South African President Thabo Mbeki has sent a letter of concern and support to the two South Africans held hostages in the Philippines, Callie and Monique Strydom. President Mbeki said, "Ever since you were kidnapped I and everybody else in the government have been gravely concerned that you come out of the unacceptable situation in which you are without further harm being caused to you and the other people with you".
President Mbeki further said, "I would like to assure you that we have been doing everything we can to ensure your immediate release. We have neither allowed nor supported any negotiating tactics, which we thought would delay your release. We maintain contact with everybody concerned on a daily basis, to ensure as best we can that your release is not delayed unnecessarily".
President Mbeki also reiterated the South African Government's position and efforts in helping to resolve the hostage crisis in the earliest possible time. He said that the South African Government has maintained closest possible contact with the government of the Philippines and other people concerned to assist in securing their earliest possible release.
The negotiations are at a critical stage, as we have seen the release of six Malaysians and one German hostages. We therefore believe that, this bodes well for the release of all remaining hostages, especially Callie and Monique in the light of new developments occurring rapidly.
The South African government wishes to take this opportunity to call upon our citizens to refrain from going to Jolo, Sulu Islands in the Southern Philippines, as this may put them in danger of being kidnapped and thus complicating the situation further. We further wish to urge media to resist from putting undue pressure and stress on the families of both Callie and Monique at this sensitive and emotional time.
The South African government also wishes to thank those South Africans who have shown concern for and provided support to the Strydoms and their families. Letters from concerned South African citizens are being faxed on daily basis to the Strydoms in the Philippines.
For further information, please contact Dumisani Rasheleng
Cell no: 083 709 8166