The Nelson Mandela Foundation has taken note of the passing of General Constand Viljoen and sends condolences to his family.
He was one of Nelson Mandela’s most formidable political adversaries. In the treacherous days of South Africa’s transition to democracy ultimately he chose to negotiate with Madiba, who commended him for his maturity and foresight in choosing to make peace rather than war. There developed between them a mutual respect and Madiba came to regard him as a ‘worthy South African’.
May the memory of his contribution to making peace in the 1990s inspire South Africans to work together as our country faces another time of great challenge.
For media enquiries, please contact Luzuko Koti at LuzukoK@NelsonMandela.org or at +27 (0)82 994 0349.