Let me once again take this opportunity, on behalf of government and the President of the Republic, to express our condolences to the Sisulu family following the passing away of Mama Albertina Sisulu last Thursday evening.
She dedicated her life to serving this nation selflessly.
We appreciate the overwhelming expressions of condolence, support and admiration for Mama Sisulu that have been recorded across the country and around the world.
This is consistent with our national spirit of ubuntu and unity.
Mama Albertina Sisulu was a national leader and it is befitting that we accord her a dignified funeral which is befitting for a leader of her stature.
Following the Presidential decision to grant Mama Albertina Sisulu an Official Funeral Category 1, the Funeral Planning Committee comprising of national government, Gauteng Province and the African National Congress (ANC) resumed with preparations and took the following decisions in consultation with the Sisulu family.
The Official Funeral will take place on Saturday June 11 at Orlando Stadium in Orlando East in Soweto.
This will be preceded by a number of memorial services on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
- An official memorial service will be held at 14h00 on Thursday, 9 June, at the Tshwane City Hall.
- A night vigil will take place on Friday, 10 June at the Holy Cross Church in Soweto from 19h00 till 22h00.
- The Valediction will take place on Saturday, 11 June at the Family House in Orlando in Soweto from 07h00 before proceeding to the funeral service venue.
The other memorial services will be announced by the ANC.
Condolence books will be available from the morning of Monday, 6 June, at a number of venues to allow people to record their thoughts on, and feelings for Mama Sisulu.
The venues include:
- The Union Buildings in Tshwane
- Tuynhuys in Cape Town
- The Sisulu residence in Orlando West, Soweto
- The Sisulu residence in Linden, Johannesburg
Accreditation for media will be facilitated by Government Communications (GCIS) from tomorrow, Monday, 6 June.
Details of these arrangements will be provided to media during the course of today (Sunday).
I have indicated that some of these arrangements and others will be updated and communicated during the course of the week.
I also wish to thank the Sisulu family for opening their home to government and the media in order for us to have this briefing here today. We also appreciate the dignity with which media have conducted themselves in covering this national event since Mama Sisulu’s passing.
Once again, I wish to thank South Africans for their support to the Sisulu family at this difficult time.
Enquiries:
Harold Maloka
Cell: 082 847 9799
Source: The Presidency
