The late Ambassador George Sipho Nene was laid to rest on Friday.
Speaking at his funeral, former President Kgalema Motlanthe described Nene as a loyalist fighter against the apartheid regime who dedicated his life to the freedom of South Africa.
The funeral service was held at Nene’s alma mater, Morris Isaacson in Soweto. He was later laid to rest at the Avalon Cemetery.
Former Presidents, ministers, family, friends and colleagues gathered to pay their last respects to the visionary ambassador.
Nene who was known and respected for his vast knowledge within the diplomatic community was given a befitting send off.
Speakers recalled how Nene imparted a great deal of his knowledge to fellow diplomats. Former President Motlanthe said although knowledgeable and wise, Nene remained modest.
Delivering a message from President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister in the Presidency Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said she learnt a lot from the late Ambassaador Nene.
Nene’s dedication to the betterment of the country and its people was also praised. Gauteng Premier David Makhura described the former South African ambassador to Nigeria and Switzerland, as a committed civil servant.
Former President Thabo Mbeki described the former teacher as one of the country’s ambassadors of hope.
In his message, former Johannesburg Mayor Park Tau said the ANC would feel the passing away of Ambassador Nene given the state of where the party is in renewing its mandate to the people.
He said this was a great loss to the country and diplomatic community.
The late Ambassador Nene has left behind a legacy of undeviating constancy and a wealth of knowledge which some may have to read about when his book is released.
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