PRESIDENT ZUMA: We Lost 67 Citizens in Synagogue Guest house collapse.

The South African President, Jacob Zuma, has announced that they lost 67 of their citizens to the guest house collapse in the Synagogue. This is a sharp contrast to what has been released here so far, the total number of people confirmed to have died is around 70,

and from different countries. unless some things is been hidden from us. read the full text of his speech below. we will keep you updated.  

"I am greatly saddened to announce that 67

South Africans died and scores of others

sustained injuries, after a building at the

Synagogue Church of All Nations collapsed

on Friday, 12 September 2014, in Lagos, in

the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This is a particularly difficult time for South

Africa. Not in the recent history of our

country have we had this large number of

our people die in one incident outside the

country. Our thoughts are with the families,

friends and colleagues that have lost their

loved ones in this heart-breaking tragedy.

The whole nation shares the pain of the

mothers, fathers, daughters and sons who

have lost their loved ones. We are all in

grief. As we mourn this sudden and tragic

death of our fellow compatriots, I have

directed the relevant Government

departments and entities to act with the

utmost urgency to ensure that we facilitate

the movement of relevant family members

to Nigeria to identify the bodies of their

loved ones and to ensure that we repatriate

the remains as soon as possible under the

circumstances.

I would like to take this opportunity also to

thank all family members and friends who

have provided information to Government,

which information has assisted the South

African High Commission in Nigeria in its

efforts to locate our fellow citizens. I would

also like to commend all affected families

for their patience and resolve during this

very painful period. On behalf of the

Government and the people of South Africa,

I would like to thank the Government of the

Federal Republic of Nigeria for their support

during this difficult time. We also send our

sincere condolences to the people of

Nigeria and all other nations affected by

this tragedy. I would like to assure all

affected families that the Government will

provide all the necessary support.

Government will keep the public informed of

developments around this tragedy. May the

souls of the departed compatriots rest in

peace. I thank you. "

Issued by: the

Presidency Pretoria