President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi will be honoured with a Category 1 Special Official Funeral.
The former Zulu prime minister passed away early Saturday morning at the age of 95.
Buthelezi will be laid to rest in Ulundi, in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
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As preparations unfold for memorial events, Ramaphosa spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the president reiterated his “deep condolences to the Royal Household as well as the friends, colleagues − including members of parliament − and associates nationally and internationally of the late leader”.
“The State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy of government accords Special Official Funerals, Category 1, to persons of extraordinary credentials specifically designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa.”
The prince’s funeral will include military honours.
“The president has directed that flags be flown at half-mast at flag stations around the country from Tuesday, 12 September, until the evening of the day on which the funeral will take place,” Magwenya said.
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Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has stated that the funeral ceremony and other ceremonial logistics will be announced in due time.
Dube-Ncube also called for peace, stating that the IFP founder would not want his death to be a source of division or political spectacle.
“We are calling for peace from all the various stakeholders. Let us work together to make sure we give Buthelezi the send-off that he deserves. We need to give communities, international visitors and political parties space but also the family,” said Dube-Ncube.
