On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of South Africa, President Jacob Zuma has expressed his deepest condolences to his counterpart, President Benigno Aquino, the Government and the people of the Republic of the Philippines, in the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan, which struck the Philippines on 8 November 2013, killing at least 10,000 people and leaving hundreds of thousands displaced.
President Zuma said: “During this time of pain and suffering, particularly in the case of those who have lost loved ones, please be assured that the Government and people of South Africa share in your sorrow. We trust that the resilience of the people of the Philippines, that has seen them through very difficult times in the past, will help them overcome this great loss and devastation.”
According to reports, Typhoon Haiyan is one of the most powerful storms on record to make landfall and is now bearing down on Vietnam, where tens of thousands are currently being evacuated.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s Consular Services is in contact with our Embassy in the Philippines for regular updates.
For further information please contact:
Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO
Cell: 082 884 5974
