The repatriation of the mortal remains of Sihle Makhaye from Russia to KwaZulu-Natal
By Siboniso Duma
MEC for Transport and Human Settlements
Historic repatriation from Russia to KwaZulu-Natal: Duma has successfully ensured the repatriation of the mortal remains of Sihle Makhaye from Russia to KwaZulu-Natal.
He has thanked Minister Ronald Lamola and President Cyril Ramaphosa for assigning a team that worked well with his team
Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House: We wish to inform the people of KwaZulu-Natal that as promised, we have ensured the successful repatriation of the mortal remains of Sihle Makhaye from Russia to KwaZulu-Natal.
The mortal remains arrived today at 13:15 at the King Shaka International Airport.
On the 8th of April, 2026, at 23h30, we were contacted by his wife, Sibonile Ndwandwe, requesting us to assist her family with the repatriation of her husband.
She indicated that Makhaye (44) from Kranskop was lured to Russia with a promise of a lucrative job.
She further stated that on the 28th March she received the news of his untimely death, which left their children and family devastated.
Since that day, I assigned a team to be closer to the family led by the Head of Human Settlements Max Mbili.
We pause to express our deepest appreciation to the team assigned by the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation Ronald Lamola.
The team worked well with our team to ensure the smooth co-ordination despite challenges too many to highlight.
Critically, President Cyril Ramaphosa as the Head of State has been a pillar and a solution provider.
We thank Ayanda Msweli, the community of Kranskop and many other individuals who assisted and showed empathy during this difficult period.
In addition, we value the support from the President of Combined Nations Funeral Parlous Associations Lungile Shangase and Department of Transport Ambassador for eThekwini Region Pastor Nkululeko Khumalo
Tomorrow, we will have a Press Briefing together with the family to reflect on the way forward.
We will also announce preparations for the funeral service.
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