Body of Miriam Makeba arrives in Johannesburg

The body of singing legend and activist “Mama Africa” Miriam Makeba, who died in Italy aged 76, arrived in Johannesburg on Wednesday, the South African foreign affairs department said.

Arts and Culture Pallo Jordan and senior government officials joined Makeba’s family to receive the singer’s body at OR Tambo International airport, spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa said.

Makeba collapsed as she left the stage at a benefit concert in Castel Volturno on Sunday and died in a Naples hospital.

Born in Johannesburg on March 4, 1932, Makeba was one of Africa’s best known singers, famed for hits such as Pata Pata and The Click Song and for highlighting the abuses of the white apartheid regime.

Voice to millions of oppresed
Many high-profile politicians and organisations paid tribute to her, especially for her contribution in the struggle against apartheid and for placing it on the global agenda.

The African National Congress hailed her musical contribution to the fight against apartheid.

“The passing of this African songstress leaves a gaping hole in the cultural life of our country and the African continent,” said party president Jacob Zuma.

“Miriam Makeba used her voice, not merely to entertain, but to give a voice to the millions of oppressed South Africans under the yoke of apartheid,” said Zuma.

“Miriam was an indefatigable African patriot who used her immense talent in the service of her people and the struggle for freedom and democracy, not only in South Africa, but in the continent as a whole.”

Fellow African musical giant Youssou Ndour mourned her death as a loss to the world’s music.

“It really is a great loss for Africa, for African music and all music,” he told a Senegalese radio station.

“She was somebody who did a lot for Africa, and in general for black people. It is a great loss.” - Sapa