The President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Jacob Zuma, has on behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa conveyed a message of condolences to the Government and the people of Germany following the passing on of former Federal President Roman Herzog.

President Zuma recalled that former President Herzog, who died aged 82, was the first German President to be elected into office following Germany's reunification, having previously also distinguished himself as the President of Germany’s Constitutional Court from 1987 until his historic election as President of Germany. 

President Zuma noted that former President Herzog will also be remembered in South Africa for his support for our country’s own transition after 1994, especially also during the highly successful State Visit by former President Nelson Mandela to Germany in May 1996 and President Herzog’s return State Visit to South Africa in March 1998.

President Zuma said the people of South Africa share the loss of the German people and stand with them in this time of grief and mourning.