Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
17 November 2000
It is with great sorrow that the Department of Foreign Affairs announces the death of Ambassador NMNJ (Makhaya) Mosia, South Africa's Ambassador to Cuba. Ambassador Mosia passed away on 13 November 2000 in Havana, Cuba, after a short illness.
Mr Mosia was born on 6 December 1943 in Johannesburg. He obtained a BA (Hons) degree specialising in French, Portuguese and Russian, and completed a number of Diplomatic Training Courses in South Africa as well as abroad.
From 1992 to 1994 Mr Mosia served as ANC Chief Representative in Cuba, and he joined the Department of Foreign Affairs on 1 August 1994. He served as Minister in the South African Embassy in Paris from November 1995 to November 1996, and as Ambassador to Senegal from 1996 to 1999, during which time he was also non-resident Ambassador to Mali, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea and Mauritania. On completion of his term of duty, he was awarded the Order of the Lion by the President of Senegal, HE Mr A Diouf, for meritorious service in Senegal. After his return from Senegal, Mr Mosia served as Director: Latin America, and in May 2000 he was appointed as Ambassador to Cuba.
Mr Mosia is survived by his wife, and a son and daughter. The mortal remains of Mr Mosia will arrive in South Africa from Cuba on the morning of Sunday, 19 November 2000, accompanied by his brother.
For more Information, please contact Dumisani Rasheleng Office No. (012) 351 0067 / 0128 Cell No. 083 709 8166