Following a request from the family, Premier Alan Winde has written to President Ramaphosa to request a special provincial funeral for Western Cape struggle stalwart Cecyl Esau.
According to the policy for state funerals, Category 2 Special Provincial Funerals may be held for “distinguished persons specifically designated by the President of South Africa on request by the Premier of a province”.
Mr Esau who was born in Worcester, was an anti-apartheid activist who was involved in the 1976 national student uprising while studying at the University of the Western Cape. He was arrested for his political activities in 1986 and spent 12 years imprisoned on Robben Island.
Should the President assent to the request, support will be made available for the memorial service which will be held in Worcester on Saturday, 27 March.
Premier Winde said: “We extend our condolences to Mr Esau’s family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time and look forward to a positive response to our request from President Ramaphosa.”
