The remains of South African singer Miriam Makeba who died in Italy on Sunday arrived home on Wednesday morning, the foreign ministry said.
South African Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr Pallo Jordan, on behalf of the South African government joined the Makeba family members in receiving the mortal remains of the late South African Goodwill Ambassador Miriam Makeba when it arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
Makeba, fondly known as “Mama Africa”, died of a heart attack after a performance in Italy on Sunday night.
Makeba, whose most famous hits included Pata Pata, The Click Song (Qongqothwane in Xhosa) and Mailaka, died after taking part in a concert for Roberto Saviano, a writer threatened with death by the Mafia.
Many high-profile politicians and organisations paid tribute to her, especially for her contribution in the struggle against apartheid and for placing apartheid on the global agenda.
