The remains of singer Miriam Makeba — who died in Italy on Sunday evening — will arrive home in South Africa on Wednesday morning, the Foreign Ministry said.
”South African Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr Pallo Jordan, will on Wednesday, on behalf of the South African government join the Makeba family members in receiving the mortal remains of the late South Africa’s Goodwill Ambassador Miriam Makeba at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg,” said Foreign Affairs Department spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa.
Makeba, fondly known as ”Mama Africa”, died of a heart attack after a performance in Italy on Sunday night.
Makeba, whose hits included Pata Pata, The Click Song (Qongqothwane) and Mailaka, died after taking part in a concert for Roberto Saviano, a writer threatened with death by the Mafia.
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. – Sapa