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Letter to President of South Africa

On the centenary of the African National Congress, the Prime Minister has written to the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Here is a copy of the Prime Minister’s letter:

On behalf of the British people, I want to congratulate you and everyone involved with the African National Congress on this very special anniversary.

The African National Congress has been a beacon for the world in the fight against discrimination and the struggle for freedom from oppression - it stood up for the rights of all South Africans. And the names of great men like Albert Luthuli, Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela, will forever be an inspiration not just to the people of South Africa, but to people all over the world.

As you return to Bloemfontein, the site of that first meeting a century ago, it is incredible to see the changes in South Africa that the ANC has helped to bring about. But I know you will not just be celebrating a great legacy from your first 100 years. You will also be looking forward to the challenges of the next. And we will stand with you in the ongoing struggle for equality, democracy and prosperity for the people of South Africa, and for justice and freedom from tyranny around the world.

Published 8 January 2012