Pretoria - Former National Intelligence Service (NIS) head, Mike Louw, will be remembered for his contribution to building the new democratic state, says President Jacob Zuma.
In his message of condolences to the family on Monday, Zuma said Louw would also be remembered for his courage and foresight at a crucial moment in South African history.
"He will be remembered as a South African patriot, and as a man who knew when the time was right to put the country first, over and above all other interests."
Louw, who was later the head of the South African Secret Service, passed away recently.
Zuma expressed great sadness on his passing, saying that government was with the family during this difficult time.
He indicated that at the time when many of his contemporaries remained determined to defend the immoral apartheid system, Louw was prepared to reach out to those who even then were regarded as the enemy.
Zuma said Louw was one of those remarkable South Africans that will always be remember and whose contribution to the smooth transition to freedom and democracy must never be forgotten.
