On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a boating tragedy on Lake Kivu.

It is estimated that 80 people have lost their lives and authorities are searching for close to 200 people who were on board a vessel which sank close to shore on Lake Kivu on Thursday, 2 October 2024.

President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with the families of the deceased passengers and of passengers who have yet to be accounted for.

President Ramaphosa wishes survivors a speedy recovery and wishes rescue and recovery crews well in the grim duty they are performing in the service of the Congolese people.