Foreign Affairs prepares for the repatriation of Miriam Makeba’s mortal remains back to South Africa

Pretoria-The Foreign Affairs Ministry has begun the process of the repatriation of the mortal remains of South Africa’s Goodwill Ambassador Miriam Makeba back to South Africa for a funeral service and cremation.

This follows consultations between the Foreign Ministry and the family of the late Miriam Makeba on Monday 10 November, in which the family decided on the repatriation of the mortal remains back to South Africa before cremation.

The repatriation process by the Foreign Affairs Ministry will include among others provision of consular services to members of the bereaved family both in Italy and South Africa while South Africa’s Ambassador to Italy Lenin Shope will assist the family to acquire a health certificate and an export permit from the Italian authorities to allow the family to return the mortal remains of Miriam Makeba back to South Africa.

Minister Dlamini Zuma reiterates her view that “Miriam Makeba, one of the greatest songstresses of our time has indeed ceased to sing and that she died doing what she does best- and ability to communicate a positive message abroad about South Africa’s efforts aimed at the creation of a better life for all through the art of singing”.

Once more, Minister Dlamini Zuma extends the thoughts and prayers of President Kgalema Motlanthe, the cabinet, our Ambassadors and High Commissioners based in foreign lands, the management and staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs to members of the bereaved family, friends and colleagues during this hour of need.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

11 November 2008