Miriam Makeba’s mortal remains to return to South Africa on Wednesday 12 November 2008

Brussels- South African Ambassador to Italy Ambassador Lenin Shope has advised the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma that the mortal remains of South Africa’s Goodwill Ambassador Miriam Makeba will return to South Africa on Wednesday 12 November 2008.

Following consultations with the Makeba family on Monday 10 November, the family decided to ask for the Foreign Ministry’s assistance in repatriating the mortal remains of the late Goodwill Ambassador Miriam Makeba back to South Africa for a funeral service and cremation. 

In this regard, Ambassador Shope and his team of diplomats assisted the family in meeting both the legal and medical requirements to allow the mortal remains of Ambassador Makeba to return to South Africa.

Once again Minister Dlamini Zuma on behalf of President Kgalema Motlanthe, the cabinet, our Ambassadors and High Commissioners based in foreign missions, the managements and staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs, reaches out in thought and prayer to members of the bereaved family, friends and colleagues.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

11 November 2008.