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GTF to represent Tamils at Mandela’s funeral today
View(s):The British-based Global Tamil Forum has held talks with the ruling African National Congress and has been “officially invited” to “represent Tamils” at today’s funeral of former South African President Nelson Mandela. GTF Director and spokesperson Suren Surendran held talks with Obed Bopela, Deputy Minister in the Presidency. He is also Chairman of ANC’s International Relations Division.
Mr. Bopela was a member of President Jacob Zuma’s entourage for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo last month. He was present when Mr. Zuma held talks with both President Mahinda Rajapaksa and TNA leader Rajavarothayam Sampanthan. Mr. Surendran took part at the final funeral ceremonies yesterday at the Waterkloof Air Force base in Pretoria. Thereafter, the body was flown to Mandela’s home town of Qunu for the private funeral.