Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini -Zuma said South Africa’s Ambassador to Senegal Lenin Shope was a true soldier of the African National Congress (ANC) uMkhonto weSizwe.
Dlamini-Zuma was speaking on behalf of ANC at Ambassador Shope’s funeral service at Marks Parks Sports Club in Johannesburg.
Ambassador Shope passed away at his official residence in Dakar, Senegal, earlier this week.
Ambassador Shope represented South Africa in Cuba during his diplomatic career in which he also served as head of mission in Botswana, Italy, and Australia.
Dlamini-Zuma said Ambassador Shope served graciously.
“The fact that we lay to rest your father on this day of Mkhonto weSizwe, also confirms that comrade Lenin lived his life in struggle and service. He was a proud cadre and proud of his rich history and environment and there’s much to learn on his life.”
SA Ambassador to Senegal Lenin Shope laid to rest:
Today, Friday 11 December 2020, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation hosted a memorial for the late Ambassador Lenin Shope.
H.E. Lenin Shope passed away on 03 December 2020, while serving as SA’s Ambassador to Senegal. #RIPLeninShope pic.twitter.com/L6kxk1WiVK
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) December 11, 2020
In a statement issued last week, President Ramaphosa offered condolences to Shope’s mother, Ma Gertrude Shope, a struggle stalwart who spent many years in exile and became ANC Women’s League President. She also served as a member of South Africa’s first democratic Parliament.
Ambassador Lenin Shope represented South Africa in Cuba during his diplomatic career in which he also served as Head of Mission in Botswana, Italy and Australia.
He was educated in Cuba from 1976 and trained as an engineer at the Technological University of Havana from 1982 to 1986.
