Pretoria: South Africa has sent its condolences to the people of Nigeria following a deadly school shooting.
Speaking at the centenary celebrations of Nigeria recently, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe conveyed condolences to the West African nation.
“Mr President [ Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan before going any further let me express our heartfelt condolences to you personally, and through you to the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following the tragic and needless shooting of students recently.
“No just course can be advanced by … killings of human beings. Therefore this callously horrendous act should be condemned to the strongest possible terms by all sane humanity,” said Deputy President Motlanthe.
Last week, at least 29 students were killed after suspected Boko Haram militants attacked a boarding school in north-east Nigeria.
Celebrations
Meanwhile, South Africa joined in the fray of well wishes to congratulate Nigeria on its 100th anniversary of the amalgamation of Nigeria.
“Like Nigeria and the rest of our continent our country South Africa has been shaped by colonial experience. Colonialism in South Africa evolved into apartheid, a crime against humanity. Yet, throughout the years of struggle we were sustained by the inspiring example of free African nations, not least among them Nigeria and her people,” said the Deputy President.
In the last 100 years Nigeria has created conditions for peace, reconciliation, national unity and stability.
“Overall reaching this milestone demonstrate that Africa, despite and regardless of its accumulated disabilities, remains set on irreversible course to claim the 21st century as the ‘African Century’.”
However while celebrating the strides that have been made, much more still needs to be done to emancipate the continent from poverty, inequality, unemployment and the burden of diseases.
“The absence of peace, security and stability handicaps the development and growth of Africa, hindering our effort to push back the frontiers of under-development,” said Deputy President Motlanthe.
SOURCE: South African Official News