Juba - South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to pay a working visit to South Sudan later today, Monday 16 May 2016 in his capacity as the Special Envoy of President Jacob Zuma to the country.
 
The working visit by Deputy President Ramaphosa is part of efforts to consolidate unity within the ranks of ruling Sudanese Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) with a view to sustain lasting peace and stability and to lay a basis for the post-conflict reconstruction and development for the benefit of the people of South Sudan.
 
During his working visit Deputy President Ramaphosa is scheduled to meet with South Sudanese President Salva Kirr, First Vice President Riek Machar and receive courtesy calls from Vice President Dr Wani Igga, Ministers Deng Alor Kuol and Jemma Kumba.
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa working alongside the Secretary-General of Tanzania’s ruling party, Abdulrahman Kinana, have worked tirelessly for the restoration of unity of purpose within the ranks of the SPLM as a precursor to the creation of peace and stability in the country and formation of the unity government in Juba.
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa was in Rwanda where he led Team South Africa to the WEF on Africa Forum to promote South Africa as open for business and a preferred destination for investment. On Sunday, 15 May 2016, Deputy President Ramaphosa had an occasion to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay his respect to the victims of the 1994 genocide.
 
Repatriation of the mortal remains of Warrant Officer Muzwandile Sithole who died in Juba
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa on Sunday 15 May 2016 conveyed the condolences of the President, the government and people of South Africa to the family and friends of Warrant Officer Muzwandile Joel Sithole who died on Friday 13 May 2016 while on official duty in Juba.
 
Warrant Officer Sithole was part of an advanced security detail which had been deployed to Juba to prepare for the working visit of Deputy President Ramaphosa to South Sudan later today, Monday 16 May 2016.
 
The South African government is working around the clock in conjunction with the government of South Sudan to ensure the repatriation of the mortal remains of Warrant Officer Sithole back to South Africa tomorrow, Tuesday 17 May 2016. The government has made arrangements for the members of the bereaved family to fly to Juba today, Monday, 16 May 2016, to assist in the repatriation process.
 
Thoughts and prayers of Deputy President Ramaphosa reach out to his widow Sibongile Sithole and their families during this moment of their lives, conscious of the pain and sorrow that the untimely death of their beloved son has brought to bear on their entire families.
 

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on +27 82- 990-4853
 
Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria