Johannesburg -
The four-month wait for the remains of 11 South Africans who died in the Nigerian church collapse last year could finally be over.
The remains of some of the remaining 11 South Africans who died in September when a guest house belonging to The Synagogue, Church of All Nations collapsed in Lagos are expected to arrive in Pretoria on Wednesday.
Nigerian authorities have already identified 74 South Africans, whose remains were repatriated to South Africa last year.
In September, 25 injured South Africans were also repatriated.
However, families will know only on Tuesday which of the 11 South Africans will return on board an SANDF aircraft.
“I am happy to announce that today an SANDF C130 aircraft with a repatriation team is departing to Lagos to bring the remains of those that have been positively identified.
“The long wait for these families, friends and communities is finally over,” said Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe.
The aircraft was expected back at Waterkloof Air Force Base on Wednesday evening.
“The remains will be transported to the nearest government mortuaries. Government social workers are in continuous communication with the families about the specific details.”
Radebe encouraged the affected families to seek grief counselling, which would be provided free of charge.
“Once again, we thank all South Africans for their support and patience since this dark cloud befell our nation over four months ago.
“The government expresses its appreciation to the Nigerian authorities for their co-operation during the identification and repatriation of the injured and deceased South Africans.”
In December the South African government said it would not support the planned civil claim against T B Joshua and his church.
Radebe repeated this on Monday.
The matter was for the affected families, he said.
Political Bureau