Premier Sihle Zikalala welcomes granting of Official Funeral for struggle Stalwart, Trade Unionist and Umkhonto Wesizwe Soldier Alfred Duma: Struggle Giant to be laid to rest tomorrow
Premier of KwaZulu Natal Sihle Zikalala has described as a befitting honour the granting of the Special Official Funeral to struggle veteran Alfred Duma.
“In granting the Special Official Provincial Funeral Category 2, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa has bestowed yet another befitting honour on this gallant son of the soil who has left an indelible mark on the canvass of our struggle. We welcome this as a celebration of a life that was spent in the cause of trade unionism, the armed struggle and community-based activism,” said Premier Zikalala.
The Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2 is reserved for those who in the view of the President have contributed significantly to the country and it contains elements of the South African Police.
“The passing of uBaba uDuma marks one of the saddest moments in our history as we say goodbye to one of a generation that pioneered the armed struggle under the leadership of Umkhonto we Sizwe. It will be recalled that in 1961 uBaba Alfred was one of the first to volunteer to go to war against the apartheid regime when he joined the first detachment of MK soldiers from the then Natal.
For his activities he was later sentenced on Robben Island where he spent 10 years from 1964- 1974 during which he was incarcerated together with the likes of stalwarts Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada, Andrew Mlangeni, Raymond Mhlaba and Govan Mbeki and others,” said Premier Zikalala.
Alfred Duma was honoured by President Jacob Zuma with the Order of Mendi for Bravery in Silver. This was a well-earned recognition of his leadership in times of difficulty and his brave contribution to the rights of workers and liberation of the people of South Africa.
“In 2016 the eMnambithi/Ladysmith Municipality was renamed to Alfred Duma in honour of this great warrior of our liberation struggle.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, 09 February 2021, the nation will bid farewell and lay to finala resting place this distinguished struggle luminary, one of the brave soldiers of the liberation of South Africa.
Members of the media are advised of the following details:
The Special Official Provincial Funeral for Baba Alfred Duma will be held as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 09 February 2021
Time: 09h00
Venue: Ezakheni Sports Stadium, Ladysmith, Alfred Duma Local Municipality
Members of the media that wish to physically attend the funeral are requested to indicate so that accreditation and planning can be done in line with their requirements.
The Funeral will be streamed live on the following platforms:
Enquiries:
Lennox Mabaso
Cell: 082 884 2403
Siyabonga Maphalala
Cell: 082 490 8716
Thami Ngidi
Cell: 066 3066 793
