Minister Chabane's funeral gets underway

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Malamulele – The casket of the late Public Service and Administration Minister, Collins Chabane, has arrived in the marquee at the Salema Sports Ground, where the funeral service will take place.

Mourners attending the late Minister’s funeral were asked to stand up quietly as the coffin entered the marquee.

President Jacob Zuma, who is expected to deliver the eulogy, has also arrived for the funeral service of the late Minister.

Thousands of mourners dressed in ANC regalia have packed the marquee. Cabinet ministers and other senior government officials have also arrived to pay their last respects.

Minister Chabane passed away on Sunday, 15 March, in a crash on the N1 in Limpopo. Two of his protectors, Sergeants Lesiba Sekele and Lawrence Lentsoane, also died in the collision.

The proceedings started at the house in the early hours of the morning and then proceeded to the Xikundu Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Bus-loads of people started to arrive as early as 5am to the local sports ground.

After the funeral service, Minister Chabane will be laid to rest at the local cemetery outside Saselamani just before 1pm.   

The Minister’s funeral is an official funeral category one, which is reserved for serving Ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly, Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces and Premiers of provinces.

His official memorial service was held on Thursday at the Tshwane Events Centre, where thousands of mourners came to pay their respects.

*Click here to read the full programme of the late Minsiter's funeral. – SAnews.gov.za