The remains of South African singer Miriam Makeba ? who died in Italy on Sunday ? arrived home on Wednesday morning, the foreign ministry said.

"The mortal remains of the late South Africa's Goodwill Ambassador Miriam Makeba arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg early on Wednesday," said spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa.

Her family received her remains alongside Arts and Culture Minister Pallo Jordan. Makeba, fondly known as 'Mama Africa', died of a heart attack after a performance in Italy on Sunday night.

Makeba ? whose most famous hits included Pata Pata, The Click Song (Qongqothwane in Xhosa) and Mailaka ? died after taking part in a concert for Roberto Saviano, a writer threatened with death by the Mafia.

Many high-profile politicians and organisations paid tribute to her, especially for her contribution to the struggle against apartheid and for placing it on the global agenda.