Russian President Vladimir Putin has joined African Union Commission chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat in expressing solidarity with President Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa over the death of more than 70 people in a fire in central Johannesburg.
Putin spoke to Ramaphosa after the devastating fire in a building in the city centre.
The government has been on the scene since the news of the blaze emerged early on Thursday and the fire has left a number of people without a place to stay. Provincial authorities were trying to provide alternative accommodation for them.
Putin said the fire was tragic and wished South Africa will be able to deal with the national crisis.
Faki said they were fully behind South Africa and wished those injured to make a full recovery.
“All our thoughts and prayers go to the families of the victims and in strong solidarity with President Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa, following a devastating fire in central Johannesburg that claimed more than 73 lives. Our wishes for a recovery to the injured,” said Faki.
Ramaphosa, national Ministers, provincial MECs and MMCs from the Johannesburg Metro Council have been visiting the site of the incident.
Politics