President Jacob Zuma has declared a Provincial Official Funeral category two for Mr Dumisani Mafu, a gallant freedom fighter and activist who played a prominent role in the UMkhonto WeSizwe (MK) military wing of the ANC and in the struggle for the liberation of South Africa.
Mr Mafu will be remembered for being a link between MK in Lusaka and the former Transkei homeland Defence Force. This led to, among other things, collaborative efforts wherein the Transkei Defence Force later trained MK non-statutory forces stationed at Uganda camps in conventional military training. This training prepared MK forces for a smooth transition and integration into the new South African National Defence Force following democratic governance in 1994.
President Zuma, on behalf of government and all South Africans, has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the Mafu family.
The President has ordered that the National Flag at all flag stations in the Eastern Cape Province be flown at half-mast on Saturday 23 July 2016, the day of the funeral.
The provincial government will communicate details of the funeral.
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 Ngqulunga
Cell: 082 308 9373
Email: bongani@presidency.gov.za
