Issued by the Office of the President
26 October 2000
It is with great sadness that the President received the news of the death of Pakamile (Parks) Mankahlana. The family informed the President this morning of Parks's death at his home in the Eastern Cape. In past months, Parks had been off duty due to illness which he bore bravely to the end.
The President expresses his sincerest condolences and full support to the Mankahlana family in their bereavement.
The President recognised Parks's immense contribution to the struggle for freedom and the realisation of democracy in our country. He praised the selfless and dedicated way he had gone about a most difficult task at a time of major transition in the country. The President paid tribute to Parks's contribution to an ethos of transparency in government which was in line with the advent of democracy after decades of repression under apartheid.
The President said that Parks served former President Mandela and himself with distinction and commended Parks for his sterling service as Spokesperson.
The family whose privacy, it is hoped, will be respected in the immediate period of mourning, will make an announcement about funeral arrangements in due course.
Issued by Communications Unit
The Presidency
P/Bag X1000
Pretoria
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