20 April 2002
Mr Mark Shuttleworth
Dear Mark
It is with great excitement that I am writing this letter to you to congratulate, as well as wish you well during your trip.
You are a very brave and gifted person who has made the whole of South Africa proud. I must warn you though, that when you return we will be counting on you to share your experience with all of us. We trust that your experience will not only make us proud, but will also assist us in encouraging South African children to be more interested in science and mathematics.
We are also proud of you because you are the first resident of the African continent to go into space. This is a great achievement for the continent.
During our meeting on in December last year, I was delighted when you agreed to take Bephu the Bear, the mascot of the Orphans of Aids Trust and the symbol of hope for Aids orphans with you with the aim of highlighting to the world the plight of Aids Orphans in South Africa and to the rest of the world. By doing this, you are indeed making one of the most significant contributions to this most challenging pandemic.
I hope to see you soon when you return and I hope the weather will be kind to you.
Please always know that our thoughts are with you.
I wish you all the best.
Jacob Zuma
Deputy President: Republic of South Africa
Issued by: Office of the Presidency