Malamulele – Preparations for the official funeral of Public Service and Administration Minister Collins Chabane are well underway in his home village of Xikundu in Malamulele.
The usually sleepy village is abuzz with activity as senior government officials, politicians and locals make their way to Minister Chabane’s home ahead of his funeral tomorrow.
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 Minister will be laid to rest in 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.
Municipal workers are already on the stretch of road from Punda Maria leading to the Chabane home to ensure traffic flows smoothly.
On the grounds of the Chabane home, a big white marquee is being erected to host dignitaries for tomorrow’s proceedings. Neighbours of the much-loved and respected Minister are also lending a helping hand in preparation for the volumes of mourners expected to descend on Xikundu.
One such neighbour is Hlamalani Maluleke, who lives a stone’s throw away from the Chabane home. She was clearly moved by the death of the Minister.
“At first I could not believe it. I was shocked and numb. We never thought this will happen so soon when we still needed him to do more for the country,” Maluleke said of the Minister who was well known in his community for his involvement in politics and music.
*Click here to view our online tribute to Minister Chabane. – SAnews.gov.za
