By Minister Jeff Radebe
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"404772","attributes":{"class":"media-image","id":"1","style":"float: left; margin: 3px;;","typeof":"foaf:Image"}}]]The return of the remains of 74 of our patriots who died tragically in Nigeria should signal the end of a harrowing ordeal and the beginning of a healing process for the families. As the families were busy with funeral arrangements for their loved ones, government wishes to assure its support to everyone affected by the Synagogue Church of All Nations building collapse.
It is our hope that as many families bury their loved ones, they will draw inspiration from the knowledge that the entire South African nation shares in their grief. We are pleased that our patrons will rest in peace in the land of their birth. Our social workers from the Department of Social Development in all the provinces have been ready to provide emotional support to the affected families and all those who may need it.
As government, we stress our ongoing commitment to ensure that the process of identifying the rest of the 11 victims is done expeditiously and we will intensify our efforts to ensure the remains that are still in Nigeria are brought home without undue delay.
When the nation woke up to the news on 13 September, that a number of South Africans had lost their lives, following the collapse of the building none of us imagined the extent of the tragedy or the sorrow that would unfold.
It was only when the numbers were confirmed by our mission in Lagos on September 15, at the time 68, that our nation went into a state of shock. As things are today, we lost 81 of our compatriots in that tragedy. Never, since we attained our democracy in 1994, have South Africans had to deal with the loss of so many lives outside our borders. Since that fateful day two months ago, all South Africans have rallied to support the bereaved and injured.
It’s been a harrowing two months for the country, in particular, for the families who had to deal with the trauma of losing loved ones in such a tragic manner. The pain was exacerbated by the prolonged wait for DNA tests and the repatriation of the mortal remains from Nigeria to South Africa. As always after such a devastating event there is a search for answers, for closure and a quest for healing.
In this regard, on Sunday 16 November, we came a step closer to closure and healing for the families, friends and colleagues affected by this tragedy, when we finally brought these compatriots home to be laid to rest.
While we can only imagine the pain the families and loved ones are experiencing at this moment, we hope the return of the bodies for burial in South Africa will begin a process to this end. The days, weeks and months ahead will not be easy, but the repatriation of the remains is a step that will move the families and loved ones closer to putting this tragedy behind us, and true healing could only begin once they bid farewell to their next of kin in a dignified and solemn manner.
I want to reassure the nation that Government understands the anguish and frustration of the families who had to wait for the return of their loved ones. No one should have to experience this kind of trauma.
Social workers have been liaising with the families and keeping them informed of all developments and have been visiting families to provide them with updates and psychosocial support. They will continue to provide support throughout the bereavement period. Families of the deceased are encouraged to contact government’s grief counselling services should they feel the need.
The Inter-Ministerial Task Team, which was formed shortly after the tragedy, continued to support the families throughout and did whatever was necessary to manage the impact of the ordeal. They ensured that the families were aware of all developments and had coordinated arrangements for the families to retrieve the remains of their loved ones at Waterkloof Air Force Base. We will continue to offer all the support we can in this regard.
Once again, we thank all South Africans for their support and patience throughout this period. Government expresses its appreciation to the Nigerian authorities for the cooperation accorded to me and my delegation in ensuring that the identification and repatriation of the injured and deceased South Africans was done in a professional and cordial manner.
Nigeria and South Africa enjoy cordial relations dating back from the days we were struggling for freedom and democracy in South Africa. This tragedy has brought the two countries even closer and our relations will remain strong.
We have also noted the commitment from the Nigerian authorities to continue the investigation into the tragedy in a bid to get to the bottom of what may have led to the ordeal of 12 September that has claimed so many lives, including those of Nigerians.
The South African government is not playing any role in the investigations because this matter falls within the Nigerian legal jurisdiction.
However, we stand ready to provide support to our Nigerian counterparts with their investigations should we be called on.
The families and friends of our fallen compatriots deserve answers about the cause of this tragedy. We trust that the investigation will be concluded soon so all of us can put this chapter behind us. For now, let us use this moment to reflect on the events of the past two months while at the same time allow our compatriots to rest in peace. Let us all remember that the strength of a nation is not tested in the best of times. Together we remain strong and united as a country!
Jeff Radebe, Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
