The Foreign Affairs Ministry will assist the family of South African singer Miriam Makeba to bring her remains home following her death in Italy on Sunday, a spokesperson said on Tuesday.
”The Foreign Affairs Ministry has begun the process of the repatriation of the mortal remains of South Africa’s goodwill ambassador, Miriam Makeba, back to South Africa for a funeral service and cremation,” said spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa in a statement.
”This follows consultations between the Foreign Ministry and the family of the late Miriam Makeba on Monday November 10, in which the family decided on the repatriation of the mortal remains back to South Africa before cremation.”
The department will offer consular services to family members and will also help the family with the documentation needed to bring the remains home by the end of the week.
Makeba, fondly known as ”Mama Africa”, died of a heart attack after a performance in Italy on Sunday night.
Makeba, whose most famous hits included Pata Pata, The Click Song (Qongqothwane in Xhosa) and Mailaka, died after taking part in a concert for Roberto Saviano, a writer threatened with death by the Mafia.
Many high-profile politicians paid tribute to her, especially her contribution to the struggle against apartheid and for placing it on the global agenda.
The Human Sciences Research Council added its voice to the tributes on Tuesday morning, saying she left many legacies.
”Makeba leaves a legacy of timeless and elegant performances on stage in highly acclaimed epic shows such as King Korn and Graceland, to name a few.
”Mama Africa also lives a legacy of being a political activist. During her period in exile, she not only gave a voice on the oppressed but also testified against apartheid …
”This music diva was an inspiration to many young women during the apartheid period and after the 1994 elections,” the HSRC said in a statement. — Sapa