NDLOVU'S REMAINS FLOWN TO DURBAN

 The remains of the former South Africa  High Commissioner to Lesotho  Mr. Japhet Ndlovu were on Thursday 24 October, flown from Lesotho to Durban where he will be buried on Saturday. The late High Commissioner was seen off by the Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa, the Commander of the LDF, Lt. General Makhula Mosakeng and senior government officials.

Before being flown to Durban, he received the military honour performed by the Lesotho Defence Force band and parade. Prior to departure, the body was driven to the late High Commissioner's private house at Motimposo for a short prayer and speeches delivered by among others, the Prime Minister, the Chief and residents of Motimposo.

When delivering his condolences to the community of Motimposo, the Prime Minister said the deceased died a heroic death, as he did not give people a chance to nurture him in his pain. He said the Government of Lesotho had wished to see the deceased buried in Lesotho, but has accepted the decision undertaken by the family and the government of South Africa to bury him in his homeland of Durban. He appealed that all should accept this decision.

The Chief of Motimposo, Chief Majara Theko said the deceased did not consider himself as a refugee in this country, as he became one of the residents of Motimposo.
He said as a result, he was appointed to the Land Allocation Committee, which he served with dedication.

Meanwhile one of his comrades in the struggle against apartheid, Mr. Will Mabandla said High Commissioner Ndlovu was a struggler and a comrade, adding that he was a special type of human being who could not hurt  a fly. He said he was an honest and humble man who accepted things with dignity, and added that he deserved the post of a diplomat.

Before Motimposo, Mr. Ndlovu's remains were driven to his official residence at Lower Thetsane, where a short prayer was also held. Mr. Ndlovu died at the age of 64 on the morning of October 12 at the Maseru Private Hospital, where he died a few minutes after being admitted. He is survived by three daughters.

24 October, 2002