Hon Deputy Speaker, today marks the second month since the catastrophic collapse of the building of the Nigerian church The Synagogue, Church of All Nations, in Lagos, where 81 South Africans tragically lost their lives.

Since then the South African government has attempted to repatriate the bodies of the deceased, with little or no co-operation from the Nigerian authorities. The DA notes the appointment of Minister Jeff Radebe as a special envoy to Nigeria to help with the process of ensuring that the bodies are returned home.

We urge Minister Radebe to ensure that the commission of enquiry is conducted in a properly impartial manner to ensure that the truth is uncovered and that those who are responsible for this tragedy are held accountable and brought before the law. Minister Radebe must get to the bottom of this delay urgently. The families and friends of the 81 South Africans who passed away two months ago deserve closure. It is unacceptable that our people are still grieving, with no answers or closure. The law should take its course in prosecuting those found to have done wrong by the commission.

The DA sends its condolences, once again, to the families who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident, and calls once more for a speedy return of the bodies so that the families can have closure and bury their loved ones with dignity. I thank you.