SOUTH Africa Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa says the death of President Sata hurts and affects the African continent.
Mr Ramaphosa said after paying his last respects at State House on Monday that Africa has lost a true leader in President Sata.
“The passing on of President Sata hurts and affects us very deeply because we have lost a true leader in our African continent. We hope the people of Zambia will find peace in themselves on the passing of President Sata,” he said.
Mr Ramaphosa said it is moments like death that help people and countries unite.
“Despite all this, we believe that moments like this help to bring us closer together. They strengthen us and increase our resolve to continue the good relations between our two nations, countries and the two peoples,” he said.
Mr Ramaphosa said South Africa’s history with Zambia traces back to early days of that country’s “darkest days” of struggling for independence.
He said Zambia helped South Africa to build democracy.
“That is why we are here. The [South Africa] First Lady is also here, South Africa’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations is also here.
“We have come to demonstrate our good relations and condolences to the people of Zambia,” Mr Ramaphosa said – Zambia Daily Mail