SA ambassador to Algeria Billy Masetlha has died

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's ambassador to Algeria, Billy Masetlha has died after a long illness.

Masetlha has a long career in government having served as Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, among others.

He was a member of Umkhonto We Sizwe and was deeply involved in the anti-apartheid movement.

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Masetlha was exiled in Botswana and Zambia.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor has sent her condolences to the Masetlha family.

Pandor says South Africa has lost a dependable representative and a firm believer in the ideals and goals of pan-Africanism.