SA extends condolences following Hajj tragedy

Muslims across the world celebrate the annual festival of Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, which marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorates Prophet Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his son to show obedience to God. Picture Credot: AFP
Muslims across the world celebrate the annual festival of Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, which marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorates Prophet Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his son to show obedience to God. Picture Credot: AFP

Acting President Cyril Ramaphosa has‚ on behalf of President Jacob Zuma and the government and people of South Africa‚ extended heartfelt condolences to the families and nations of the nearly 800 Hajj pilgrims who have died in a stampede near the holy city of Mecca‚ in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“While the South African government awaits information about the status of South African pilgrims‚ acting president Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa’s shared grief at this substantial loss of life.

“He also wished injured survivors a speedy recovery‚” a statement by the Department on International Relations and Cooperation said.

“Acting president Ramaphosa said that for South Africans‚ the stampede was particularly tragic given its coincidence with Heritage Day‚ an occasion dedicated to celebrating the diversity of the nation and humanity at large.”

 

 

 

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