Cape Town – The body of Sinegugu Myeni, a 28-year-old final-year medical student from KwaZulu-Natal, who died in the Philippines after falling ill, is scheduled to return to South Africa on Saturday.
The KwaZulu-Natal government has completed the necessary arrangements to bring her back home for burial, fulfilling the request of her mother, Lindiwe Myeni, EWN reported
The body will arrive at the OR Tambo International Airport.
According to IOL, Snegugu, a final-year medical student, died at the airport in the Philippines before she could return to South Africa.
After a video of her mother pleading for help to bring her daughter’s body home went viral, the provincial government activated its comprehensive repatriation plan.
They have been working with the Myeni family and the Department of International Relations and Co-Operation to facilitate the process.
Snegugu Ntobeko Myeni was having 31 points in matric 2008 but when she applied in South African universities minus 7 points of LO and was left with 24 and was unable to get to university . Then we saw advert for universities in Philippines. I sent there on my own no bursary and pic.twitter.com/fu9iuOs9LF
— Zero-Minus (@AndileMokoena14) July 19, 2023
Snegugu’s remains are expected to arrive in South Africa on July 22.
The government has expressed gratitude for the support from individuals and companies while condemning attempts to politicise the tragedy.
“This heartbreaking story has touched the hearts of many South Africans. From across society, companies and individuals have come forward to provide financial and other assistance to help the Myeni family. We wish to thank the people of South Africa who are supporting the government’s efforts to assist the Myeni family.”
“However, we also note with disdain those who are trying to manipulate the plight of a grieving mother for cheap political grandstanding. We condemn in the strongest possible terms attempts by these unscrupulous people to politicise ongoing efforts to repatriate Snegugu’s remains. Our focus right now is to ensure a well-coordinated government response to this tragedy so that Snegugu’s remains can be brought home to her loved ones in a dignified manner,” the report quoted Acting Premier Nomagugu Simelane as saying.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
