By: Natasha Archary

Iranian President, Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi has died when the helicopter he was travelling in crashed on Sunday, 19 May.
Raisi was also travelling with Iranian Foreignn Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and personnel who have reportedly passed as well.
The 63-year old was President of Iran for almost 3-years, and was pitted for re-election next year.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is mourning the passing of Raisi, who was instrumental in the strong bilateral ties between South Africa and Iran.
“President Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the air disaster that has claimed the lives of Iranian President Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and personnel.
President Raisi and Minister Amir Abdollahian died when their helicopter crashed in East Azebaijan while the leaders were en-route back to Iran on Sunday.
On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the Supreme Leader of Iran, the Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, and the government and people of the Islamic Republic.
This is an extraordinary, unthinkable tragedy that has claimed a remarkable leader of a nation with whom South Africa enjoys strong bilateral relations and whom we were honoured to welcome to the BRICS fold in Johannesburg in 2023.
Our hearts go out to the affected families and the administration of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We join Iran in this moment of mourning.
President Ramaphosa visited Iran in 2015 whilst still Deputy President.
In January 2024, Iran officially became a member of the BRICS nation, and is currently working with Russia on creating a single BRICS currency.
Also read: President calls on all South Africans to vote on 29 May



