Pretoria – The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has assigned 50 social workers to provide psycho-social support to the families of the people who died in Lagos, Nigeria, during funeral ceremonies.
Five of the 74 bodies, which were repatriated to South Africa from Lagos on Sunday, were from KwaZulu-Natal.
Speaking at a memorial service held at Dube City near King Shaka International Airport on Monday, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu and members of Executive Council reassured the families of the victims that government and the people of the province will not desert them during this difficult period.
The KZN Executive Council took a decision to assign MEC for Social Development Weziwe Thusi and MEC for Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo to lead a team to provide support to the family.
Premier Mchunu said since the tragedy, the two MECs have been giving constant updates to him and members of the Executive Council.
“Amongst the interventions we have made, was to assign two social workers to each of the affected families to provide, on a continuous basis, psycho-social services during this period of grief.
“Most importantly, we did reach out to the affected families and provided necessary emotional support through visits and this has been continuously done by the MECs and their respective teams of government officials and social workers,” Premier Mchunu said.
He added that this had been a long and agonising wait for the families
Premier commends President Zuma
The Premier also commended President Jacob Zuma for ensuring that resources were allocated to assist the families during this difficult period.
He said the trauma that has been experienced by the families will take many years to heal.
“We hope that receiving the mortal remains of their loved ones will assist in healing the broken hearts.”
Regarding the burials, the Premier said they will be guided by the families.
He said the Myeni family will hold their burial in Jozini, in the Umkhanyakude District Municipality. The Nyawo family will have their burial in Ngwavuma in the Umkhanyakude District.
The Ngcobo family will have the funeral service in Melmoth in uThungulu District Municipality and the Maphumulo family will have a funeral service here in Durban.
Mayors from the districts will attend the funeral services and will support the affected family. – SAnews.gov.za
