The message said, in part:
“You are regarded in Russia as a prominent political figure with high international prestige. Your name is a symbol of the South African people’s fight against apartheid and racial discrimination.
“You have received world acknowledgement for your peacemaking activity, efforts to settle conflicts, promote democracy, end poverty in Africa, and to direct the continent along the path of sustained social and economic development.
“Russia highly appreciates your personal contribution to the development of friendship and cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Africa.”