Pretoria - The Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) says the passing of Gugu Zulu remains devastating news for the foundation.
Zulu, a South African rally driver, died on Monday, while climbing Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, on the Trek4Mandela hike.
“We are trying hard to come to terms with his passing. Our thoughts are with Gugu’s family, his wife Letshego and their daughter Lelethu at this difficult time,” the foundation said in a statement.
The foundation’s CEO, Sello Hatang, is currently in Tanzania working closely with authorities, the South African High Commissioner in Tanzania, Thami Mseleku, Home Affairs in South Africa and the Tanzanian Ambassador to South Africa, Radhia Msuya to bring Zulu’s remains back home.
“We would like to thank them for all their efforts in assisting the foundation, the trekkers and the Zulu family. South African Airways, the official carrier for the Trek4Mandela project, has also offered their support.
“We are currently awaiting documentation from Tanzanian authorities and South Africa’s Home Affairs before travel arrangements can be made. We are hoping to resolve these issues today before flight details can be confirmed,” the foundation said.
All the trekkers returning from the summit are safe and were informed last night of the passing of Zulu.
“They were devastated by the news. They are currently making their way down the mountain and are due back early this afternoon. They will return to South Africa on Wednesday, 20 July at 6.15pm. We can’t confirm at this stage if Letshego Zulu will return on the same flight,” the foundation said.
The foundation will host a press conference and memorial service on their return. Details will be confirmed in due course. – SAnews.gov.za
