It is with regret, but also appreciation for what has been achieved and understanding of the inevitability of changing circumstances, that the Board of Idasa announces the closure of this respected organisation.

An application will be heard on April 2 by the North Gauteng High Court for the winding up of IDASA. This will happen unless substantial immediate additional financial support is forthcoming.

Every effort has been made over the last three years to reshape Idasa to adapt to current economic and socio-political circumstances, but regrettably it has not proved possible to garner the financial support necessary to continue its work in a sustainable manner or pay its debts.

We would like to thank most sincerely all those who have supported Idasa during its 27 years of existence, and especially the citizens of many countries and the diplomatic and donor communities who share our vision of helping to build democratic societies in Africa.

We have been privileged to play our part in many of the critical political events of the past two decades, to contribute to the increasing peace and prosperity of many countries in Africa, and to the deepening of democracy in South Africa and elsewhere. We give the assurance that all those who have been called upon to make this painful decision are committed to carrying on with work that promotes the principles that underpinned Idasa.

We look forward to continuing interaction with our many friends and colleagues, albeit from different platforms.

Issued by Paul Graham on behalf of the Directors