President Jacob Zuma has declared a Special Provincial Official Funeral for liberation struggle stalwart, former Robben Island prisoner and former President of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) Mr Clarence Makwetu, who passed away on the 1st April 2016.
Mr Makwetu will be remembered for his immense contribution and personal sacrifices to the liberation struggle and the establishment of the new democratic South Africa.
President Zuma, on behalf of government and all South Africans, has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the Makwetu family and to his organisation, the Pan Africanist Congress.
President Zuma has ordered that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations in the Eastern Cape Province on the day of the funeral, 16 April 2016.
Background
There are three main types of funerals in South Africa’s Funeral Policy. These are the State Funeral, Official Funeral and Provincial Official Funeral.
The State Funeral is divided into two categories:
State Funeral Category 1 is reserved for the President of the Republic of South Africa, the President-elect of the Republic of South Africa and Former Presidents of the Republic of South Africa.
State Funeral Category 2 is for the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa; Acting President of the Republic of South Africa and Former/Deputy Presidents of the Republic of South Africa
The Official Funeral is also divided into two categories:
Official Funeral Category 1 is for Serving Ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly, Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Premiers of Provinces, distinguished persons specifically designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa.
Official Funeral Category 2 is for the Spouse of a serving President, the Spouse of a serving Deputy President, Deputy Ministers, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa and The President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.
The Provincial Official Funeral is divided into a Provincial Official Funeral Category 1 which is for the Speaker of the Legislature and Members of the Executive Committee. The Provincial Funeral Category 2 is accorded to the Deputy Speaker of the Legislature.
Distinguished persons can be granted a special Provincial Official Funeral Category. The Premier of a province sends a request to the President for consideration if they feel a resident of the province deserves such recognition.
Enquiries:
Bongani Majola
Cell: 082 339 1993
E-mail: bonganim@presidency.gov.za
