government officials killed in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
accident
13 February 2009
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele has described the deaths of Mr
Arnoldus (Arno) Johannes Hibbers (49) and Mr Ananias Makhado (34), two
KwaZulu-Natal government officials who died when the car in which they were
travelling collided with a truck in the Democratic Republic of Congo yesterday
(Thursday, 12 February 2009), as numbing.
"This loss is numbing. We had just completed an amazing amount of
foundational African Renaissance work for KwaZulu-Natal, the DRC, the Republic
of South Africa and the African continent. We knew that the road ahead would
not be easy, but we were so optimistic that we could, in our own small way,
help improve the lives of the people of Bas-Congo. This is the vision that was
shared and primarily driven by both Arno and Ananias. This is a great loss,
indeed."
"Upon receiving news of the accident yesterday (12 February 2009), we
immediately made contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and
Ambassador Bene M'poko in the DRC who kept us constantly updated. I also
personally contacted the families and conveyed our sympathies. On behalf of the
government and people of KwaZulu-Natal, we want to offer our sincere
condolences to the respective families, relatives and friends. Our thoughts and
prayers are with them during these difficult moments," said the Premier.
Mr Hibbers was employed as Chief Director: Inter-Governmental and
International Relations at the KZN Office of the Premier and Mr Makhado was
employed as Knowledge Manager at Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal.
The cause of the accident is not yet known. Arrangements are being made to
repatriate the bodies.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
E-mail: maistryl@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
13 February 2009
