Pretoria - Head of the Inter-Ministerial Committee set up to coordinate and lead all support to families of those who died in Marikana two weeks ago, Collins Chabane, visited the grief-stricken family of Stelega Gadlela in neighbouring Swaziland on Thursday.
He was one of the 34 mineworkers who died during clashed with the police near Lonmin mine.
The Minister in the Presidency for Performance Monitoring, Evaluation and Administration passed heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the Stelega Gadlela family in Kadvokolwako as well as the Swaziland government on behalf of President Jacob Zuma, the government and the people of South Africa following the death of their loved one.
Chabane also met Swaziland Deputy Prime Minister, Themba Masuku of the Swaziland to give an official update on what South Africa is doing to establish the facts on what took place in Marikana.
He also met with the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Lutfo Dlamini who also accompanied him to the bereaved family.
"We are also here to reiterate our commitment and pledge government's support to the family during this period of mourning. Government has been providing counselling through social workers to the Gadlela family as well as providing assistance with burial needs of the family," said Chabane in a statement.
Deputy Prime Minister Masuku expressed the Swaziland government's sincere thank you to the South African government for the manner in which it has handled the matter.
He further commended the South African government for showing leadership during this difficult period. The Swaziland government has also committed to assist the family with social assistance.
Chabane was received well by the Gadlela family who expressed their appreciation at the collaboration between the South African government and the government of the Kingdom of Swaziland during this difficult time.
He was met by family representatives and elders who further thanked the South African government for ensuring that the deceased is brought home in time for burial.
Gadlela will be laid to rest on Saturday in Swaziland.
