President Jacob Zuma has declared the funeral of struggle veteran, Henry Gordon Makgothi, as a special Gauteng official funeral.
Makgothi passed away last Thursday, 24 March 2011, after suffering a stroke.
He was born on 25 December 1928. He joined the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in 1944 while at St Peters Secondary School. He was elected as its President the following year.
Makgothi was arrested in Botswana in the 1960s and charged for leaving South Africa without a passport. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, spending two years at Leeukop Prison and eight on Robben Island.
On his return to South Africa, he worked in the ANC's Finance Office and later served as Chief Whip of the National Council of Provinces from 1997 to 1999.
He is survived by his wife Manonosi, sons Papi, Basil and Selema, and daughter Bridgett.
On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, has extended condolences to the Makgothi family.
“We are saddened by his untimely death. However, we are grateful of the contribution he made to help bring about transformation and democracy in South Africa,” said Mokonyane.
The memorial service will take place on Wednesday, 30 March at 12pm at the Johannesburg City Hall.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, 2 April 2011, at Marks Park Sports Grounds in corner Barry Hertzog Avenue and Judith Road in Emmarentia, Johannesburgat the Walter Sisulu Community Hall in Randburg. He will then be laid to rest at West Park Cemetery, corner Beyers Naude Drive and Thomas Bowler Road, Johannesburg.
Due to the memorial service and funeral of the late Makgothi, the Soweto Summit scheduled for 2 April 2011, has been postponed by one week to 9 April 2011.
Enquiries:
Sipho Mokoena
Cell: 082 566 0515
Brian Sokutu
Cell: 071 671 6899
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government
