AN EASTERN Cape family has lodged a complaint with the public protector regarding government delays in repatriating the remains of 84 South Africans who died after a Nigeria church building collapse last month.
An accommodation establishment at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) – headed by charismatic pastor TB Joshua – collapsed killing more than 100 people staying at the facility.
Scoan promised that each family who had lost a relative, would receive R50000 towards funeral arrangements.
Although the public protector’s office could not reveal the family who laid the complaint, its spokesman Oupa Segalwe confirmed that their office was investigating.
“We confirm receipt of a complaint from an Eastern Cape family regarding what they allege is the failure of government to render necessary support and keep them informed on the arrangements (if any) for repatriation of the body of their family member from Nigeria to South A frica,” said Segalwe.
Around 115 people – including the 84 South Africans – were killed when the guesthouse collapsed in Lagos on September 12.
Some 350 South Africans were thought to be visiting the church in the Ikotun-Egbe neighbourhood at the time.
Five of the dead, Ponko Masiba, Vatiswa Madikiza, Phumzile Mpondo, Thomas Matsila and Sidima Jordan were from the Eastern Cape.
Nalita Nayo-Mpondo, Phumzile Mpondo’s sister, said they needed closure on the matter.
“This is taking its toll on the family but there has (been some support) from government officials,” said Nayo-Mpondo.
Her mother, Nobuntu Malova said the family was also receiving support from the church.
“We are receiving support from Emmanuel TV Nigeria members based here in East London. They call and visit,” said Malova.
Former ANC MPL Joe Jordan, who lost his son in the disaster, said government could not commit to a date of when they would bring the remains of their loved ones home.
Scoan’s SA representative Kirsten Nematandani said the church was doing its best to support relatives of the deceased.
He said Pastor TB Joshua was concerned about the delays. “The pastor is not sleeping, (and) praying that this must be over. This has affected him very badly and he said he will do the best for the families to have closure,” said Nematandani.
“Besides money, the families have received spiritual and emotional support from the church and they are stronger than before.
“A sum of more than R8-million will be available for the families with maybe each family getting R50000 towards funeral costs.”
Identification of those killed started earlier this week but government was unable to say when the remains would be repatriated, minister in the presidency Jeff Radebe said.
“Since the DNA process is in the hands of the Nigerian authorities, we are unable to provide any update regarding time-frames,” Radebe said.
Families' wait for bodies
An accommodation establishment at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) – headed by charismatic pastor TB Joshua – collapsed killing more than 100 people staying at the facility.
Scoan promised that each family who had lost a relative, would receive R50000 towards funeral arrangements.
Although the public protector’s office could not reveal the family who laid the complaint, its spokesman Oupa Segalwe confirmed that their office was investigating.
“We confirm receipt of a complaint from an Eastern Cape family regarding what they allege is the failure of government to render necessary support and keep them informed on the arrangements (if any) for repatriation of the body of their family member from Nigeria to South A frica,” said Segalwe.
Around 115 people – including the 84 South Africans – were killed when the guesthouse collapsed in Lagos on September 12.
Some 350 South Africans were thought to be visiting the church in the Ikotun-Egbe neighbourhood at the time.
Five of the dead, Ponko Masiba, Vatiswa Madikiza, Phumzile Mpondo, Thomas Matsila and Sidima Jordan were from the Eastern Cape.
Nalita Nayo-Mpondo, Phumzile Mpondo’s sister, said they needed closure on the matter.
“This is taking its toll on the family but there has (been some support) from government officials,” said Nayo-Mpondo.
Her mother, Nobuntu Malova said the family was also receiving support from the church.
“We are receiving support from Emmanuel TV Nigeria members based here in East London. They call and visit,” said Malova.
Former ANC MPL Joe Jordan, who lost his son in the disaster, said government could not commit to a date of when they would bring the remains of their loved ones home.
Scoan’s SA representative Kirsten Nematandani said the church was doing its best to support relatives of the deceased.
He said Pastor TB Joshua was concerned about the delays. “The pastor is not sleeping, (and) praying that this must be over. This has affected him very badly and he said he will do the best for the families to have closure,” said Nematandani.
“Besides money, the families have received spiritual and emotional support from the church and they are stronger than before.
“A sum of more than R8-million will be available for the families with maybe each family getting R50000 towards funeral costs.”
Identification of those killed started earlier this week but government was unable to say when the remains would be repatriated, minister in the presidency Jeff Radebe said.
“Since the DNA process is in the hands of the Nigerian authorities, we are unable to provide any update regarding time-frames,” Radebe said.
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