Lusaka - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived today Monday 10 November 2014 in Lusaka ahead of the State Funeral of the late President Michael Sata scheduled for Tuesday, 11 November 2014.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is in Lusaka where he is representing President Jacob Zuma, the government and people of South Africa during the state funeral.

Later today Monday, 10 November 2014, Deputy President Ramaphosa, joined by First Lady Bongekile Ngema-Zuma, Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and advisors, will join 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.

Tomorrow, Tuesday 11 November 2014, 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 Terrence Manase on 082 338 6707.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria