Sihle Makhaye, a 44-year-old man from KZN, tragically lost his life in Russia after being recruited with promises of employment.
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The KwaZulu-Natal government is taking action to assist the family of Sihle Makhaye, who tragically died in Russia after being recruited with false promises of employment.
Makhaye, 44, from Makhabeleni in Kranskop, was among a group of men believed to have been lured to Russia with offers of lucrative jobs but instead was recruited to fight in the war between Russia and Ukraine. It is believed that Makhaye died in the conflict.
The Mercury reported earlier this month that Makhaye's wife Sbonile Ndwandwe had appealed for help to have her husband repatriated.
KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma confirmed that the provincial government is now working with national authorities to facilitate the repatriation of Makhaye’s remains.
Duma arranged for the Makhaye family to travel to Pretoria for a meeting with officials from the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco).
“We are assisting the family following a request from the wife,” Duma said.
The MEC added that the intervention follows engagement with Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola.
“We express our deepest appreciation to the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation Ronald Lamola who assigned a team that is working with my office as we assist the family,” Duma said.
He also acknowledged the involvement of President Cyril Ramaphosa, stating: “Importantly, we thank President Cyril Ramaphosa for his bold leadership.”
Makhaye’s death was confirmed to his wife, Sbonile Ndwandwe, on March 28. The family has since been seeking assistance to bring his body back to South Africa for burial.
Earlier, Ndwandwe said she could not afford the costs associated with options presented to the family, including burial in Russia or cremation and repatriation, both of which would require the family to cover expenses and travel to Russia.
The family remains in distress as efforts continue to secure the return of Makhaye’s remains for burial in line with cultural practices.
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