On the 6th of December 2013, Eastern Cape Executive Council (EXCO) met and approved the variation of funds in order to support state funeral arrangements of the former President.
Controls were also identified and set up in order to ensure all three spheres of government worked in a coordinated way. The Auditor-General was made aware of the approved deviation and the processes that were set up. It was clear that the Province does not have an auxiliary services budget which caters for special events like a State Funeral.
It is important to remember that freedom of speech has limitations what are the limitations to this right? The reality is: facts and acting responsible. I therefore write this article to put the record straight and, in a responsible manner.
It needs to be stated that deceased is an African man and world icon, his final send-off implied cultural and worldly protocol. Our Constitution Act protects the right of religious, cultural and freedom of association. The Man was a former ANC President who was released from prison after a 27 years journey of war against inhumanity. The Man was also a Former State President and the first of his kind.
As a first former democratically elected President of South Africa who was also a World Icon and a resident not only of Qunu, but a son of Eastern Cape, he had chosen his home Province to be his final resting place. As a former President of the ANC - who had indicated on many occasions that ANC movement was going to be a great part of his after-life, such heritage needed to be embraced and respected.
The deceased’s passing on not only placed South Africa under the microscope of the world, but translated Eastern Cape into a fundamental forum of an international funeral. The Presidency of South Africa’s declaration of the funeral as a State Funeral meant that Eastern Cape had to follow National Protocol. As a result, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government made an extraordinary resolution and set up an extraordinary framework to facilitate preparations and hosting of the extraordinary Man’s funeral.
The expected Presidential announcement of a State Funeral set in motion, unprecedented activities and protocol in the whole country. Various departments were involved. The Department of Defence, the Presidency and the Eastern Cape Department were going to play a fundamental leading role.
The President of South Africa was going to host current and former Presidents from around the world, Judge Presidents of the world as well as people of high standing. All were going to gather not only in Gauteng, but also in the Eastern Cape which would then become the world forum.
The municipality hosting the funeral needed intensive attention. The airport where the dignitaries were going to land and depart needed attention. Eastern Cape infrastructure needed urgent alleviation to a world class status. Time was extremely limited. The pouring rain was unforgiving. Failure to act fast and effectively would not only embarrass the Eastern Cape, but South Africa as a whole. The “Interpreter” saga is typical example.
The normal government procurement processes needed to be deviated from due to a very limiting time frame and this done in line with compliance with National Treasury Regulations. From the date of the passing on to the date of the funeral, the logistical arrangement, preparation of the infrastructure and other supporting activities needed to run concurrently and efficiently.
Enquiries:
Jento Blouw
Tel: 040 1010 179
Cell: 082 568 2341
Phindiwe Dlamini
Tel: 040 1010 166
Cell: 071 884 1254
