After days of waiting and mobilization, the family of Papa James finally received his remains yesterday at the Mamory Ivato cargo service, before their departure for Ambositra.
“We are relieved,” said Mama James, summarizing her emotions after her husband’s remains arrived in Madagascar. Papa James, who passed away on August 17 in South Africa, returned to his homeland yesterday during a tribute held at the ACS Cargo facility in Mamory Ivato.
Upon the arrival of the coffin, the artist Rossy, who played a key role in supporting the family, greeted Mama James. Overcome with emotion, she collapsed before the two embraced. Rossy, along with Papa James’s two sons and other relatives, helped carry the coffin. Many family members were visibly distraught during the ceremony.
On behalf of the family, Mama James expressed her gratitude to the Malagasy people, the authorities, and the artists who contributed to the repatriation. She specifically thanked the government, the Ministry of Communication and Culture, and the artists mobilized by Rossy. She noted that Rossy, as a younger brother to Papa James, handled all arrangements from the beginning.
Mama James also recounted the hardships the couple faced in South Africa, where they had invested their retirement savings. Following the riots in June, their assets and vehicles were destroyed, which she believes severely impacted her husband’s health, leading to his illness and eventual passing.
Yesterday’s tribute included a military ceremony honoring Papa James, who was posthumously awarded the title of Knight of the National Order by the Ministry of Communication and Culture on September 4. The final farewell is scheduled to take place in his village of Tsarasotra, followed by burial on Monday in Alatsinainy Miarinarivo, Ambositra.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-07 06:08:47 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/deces-la-depouille-de-papa-james.html