Pretoria - South Africa on Wednesday expressed condolences to the families of the 29 miners, who died in an underground shaft.
South African Koos Jonker was among the miners who were trapped since Friday.
A second blast hit the Pike River mine overnight and police have said there was no hope of survivors.
"We also wish to express our admiration to the government and people of New Zealand for the commitment, dedication and tenacity with which they did everything in their power to rescue the victims," International Relations spokesperson, Saul Molobi, said.
"We include in our prayers the families and friends of the 29 miners and hope that they will find solace in the outpouring of sympathy from people of goodwill from across the world," Molobi said.
Flags on government buildings will fly at half-mast in New Zealand on Thursday in honour of the miners.
Prime Minister John Key who expressed his condolences to the families said a Commission of Inquiry into the incident should be launched early next week.
Key will also travel to South Island West Coast on Thursday to meet with families of the lost miners and the rescuers who tried to save them.
He said the rescuers had put in an "enormous effort" that could not go unmarked.
Key said the loss of the miners was a "national tragedy", adding "We are a nation in mourning."
Speaking to those who had lost loved ones in the tragedy, Key said the entire country was standing "shoulder to shoulder" with them during this terrible time.
