Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Monday 10 November 2014 depart for Lusaka where he will represent President Jacob Zuma, the government and people of South Africa during the state funeral of the late Zambian President, Michael Sata scheduled for Tuesday 11 November 2014.

On his arrival and later on Monday, Deputy President Ramaphosa will participate with other heads of state and government in paying their respects during the viewing ceremony of the body of the late President Sata as it lies in state in Lusaka. On Tuesday 11 November, Deputy President Ramaphosa will join other dignitaries and mourners during the state funeral of the late President Sata.

In conveying the heartfelt condolences of the government and people of South Africa to the government and people of Zambia, President Jacob Zuma said “ President Sata belongs to the generation of leaders produced by Zambia during the colonial times and gallantly pursued the anti-colonial struggle. His death reminds the people of South Africa of the immeasurable sacrifice and the sterling leadership role that Zambia played in ridding the African continent of the yoke of colonial domination and apartheid rule.

“President Sata supported robust economic transformation of the country, which led to positive economic growth and increased investment in Zambia. His contribution to the work of bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) would be sorely missed,” said President Zuma.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is expected to return to South Africa later on Tuesday 11 November 2014

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853 or Clayson Monyela on 082 884 5974.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria