Pretoria – Cabinet has commended the tireless efforts of those involved in the process to repatriate the mortal remains of those South Africans killed when a building collapsed in Lagos, Nigeria, on 12 September.
Addressing the media on Thursday at a post-Cabinet briefing, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Performance, Monitoring, Evaluation and Administration, Jeff Radebe, said Cabinet was heartened by the arrival of the mortal remains of those killed in the tragedy.
The bodies of 74 South Africans, who died in the tragedy, were repatriated home on Sunday. A formal reception was held at Waterkloof Air Force Base which was attending by the families of the victims.
Twelve victims were from the Eastern Cape, two from the Free State, 22 were from Gauteng, 23 from Mpumalanga, 13 from Limpopo, six from the North West, five from KwaZulu-Natal and two from the Western Cape.
Government is working to repatriate the remaining 11 victims’ bodies as soon as possible.
“We will intensify our efforts to ensure that the remains of 11 South Africans that are still to be identified in Nigeria, are brought home without undue delay. Cabinet expresses its gratitude to all South Africans for uniting as a nation during this trying time,” said Minister Radebe.
Government continues to support the affected families and hopes that this will assist them to reach closure.
Cabinet has also called on South Africans to support the families of those who died in Nigeria.
The Minister said Cabinet appreciated the cooperation received from officials in Nigeria in expediting the repatriation process given its complexities.
Cabinet has also sent its condolences to the family of the late Dennis Furhri who passed on while deployed in Nigeria for the repatriation process
“South Africa has lost a dedicated and committed public servant,” Minister Radebe said. – SAnews.gov.za
