Date: 19/06/2004
Source: North West Provincial Government
Title: E Molewa: Message of condolences at funeral of Sera family members


MEDIA RELEASE: MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCES BY NORTH WEST PREMIER, EDNA MOLEWA, ON THE OCCASION OF THE FUNERAL SERVICE OF THE SERA FAMILY, 19 June 2004

This is a summary of speech delivered by North West Premier, Edna Molewa during the funeral service of five members of the Sera family in Letlhabile, Brits, who reportedly died as a result of suffocation while warming themselves up with a brazier (mbaula).

"I thank God for having helped me to gather sufficient strength and muster enough courage to be able to stand before you this morning as we bid farewell to our beloved.

The death of Eunice Sera and her four children, Xolile, Lena, Mduduzi and Thobile has touched the hearts of all South Africans. The community of Letlhabile is in deep mourning. The entire Madibeng is in pain. The province and indeed, the entire country is still reeling from the shock and battling to come to terms with this tragic reality.

It is sad for a mother and her four young lives to be lost in this heartrending manner, especially when our new society's goal of becoming a caring home for all its children was taking earnest shape. It is also sad that these children will not be around to enjoy the vast opportunities that our new democracy has opened up to all its children to enable them to become the best that they can be.

Perhaps what is even more touching is the manner in which they died. It is ironic that something that was meant to protect them against the chilly winter weather is the one that was ultimately responsible for taking away their lives. I urge the Local Municipality to continue with their efforts of empowering communities with information about the dangers of "mbaula".

All of us must take the responsibility to ensure that members of the community who use "mbaula" as a preferred source of heating are adequately informed about its dangers to ensure that "mbaula" does not pose any threats to themselves and their loved ones.

I hope that the family will find solace and comfort in the support they have been receiving and continue to receive in their hour of need. It is also heartening to note commendable ways in which the Madibeng Municipality has responded to the proverbial midnight knock by the Sera family.

On behalf of the Provincial Government and the people of the North West, I convey my deepest sympathy to the family on the loss of their five beloved family members. During this darkest hour in the life of the family, we pray to the Almighty God to soothe your pain and give you strength to pull through. We are with you at this hour of darkness.

May the knowledge that you are not carrying this burden of pain alone, be a source of comfort and strength. The pain that you feel and the loss that you have suffered have touched every single South African who has heard about this painful episode.

We will fondly remember these fallen friends of ours forever.

May their souls rest in peace".

Enquiries:
Cornelius Tanana Monama
Spokesperson: North West Provincial Government
Tel: (018) 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
19 June 2004