JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences to Malawi following the tragic death of Malawian Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima, who perished in a plane crash alongside nine others on Monday.

According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa conveyed heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the South African government and its people, acknowledging the profound loss of a vibrant leader whose efforts advanced both his nation and the African continent. "This is a moment of tragedy in which we are united with the people of Malawi as you mourn the passing of a youthful leader who advanced the aspirations of his country and of our youthful continent from his position in Malawi's Presidency," the statement read.

President Ramaphosa emphasized the regional impact of the loss and expressed hopes for resilience and peace for the people of Malawi during this time of national mourning. Additionally, Ramaphosa extended his condolences directly to Vice-President Chilima's family and expressed his solidarity with Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera and his cabinet.