Pyongyang, December 23 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, received a message of condolences from South African President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma on Dec. 19.

The message said:

On behalf of the government and people of South Africa I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea following the passing of His Excellency Mr. Kim Jong Il.

I wish to convey our heartfelt sympathy to you and your country on this tragic loss, and wish you strength in your bereavement.