On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, President Jacob Zuma has extended the country's condolences to the Republic of Portugal following tragic fires ravaging parts of the country that have claimed the lives of many and destroyed property and land. This is especially sad coming so soon on the heels of the summer blaze four months ago that claimed 64 lives in one night.

South Africans from all walks of life, especially the thousands of South Africans of Portuguese descent are shocked to hear of the tragedy, and join the President in offering condolences to the Portuguese citizens who lost their loved ones in this catastrophic event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.