Foreign Minister Alfred Nzo is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Rieaz (Moe) Shaik as Ambassador to Algeria, with effect from 26 April 1999. Mr Shaik (40), served as Consul-General at the South African Consulate-General in Hamburg, Germany from 1997 to the end of 1998, when the mission was closed. He has, in the interim worked as the Director in the European Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Before joining the Department Mr Shaik served as advisor to the Deputy Minister for Intelligence Services from 1995 to 1997.

Mr Shaik, who obtained a Masters Degree in Optometry (cum laude) from the University of Durban Westville in 1993, also lectured in Optometry at this institution from 1989 to 1993.

Mr Shaik was also involved in the National Peace Accord Summit and served as a delegate to the CODESA negotiations.

With acknowledgement to the Department of Foreign Affairs.