President Jacob Zuma has declared a Special Provincial Official Funeral for the late legendary jazz musician, Ray Phiri, says the Presidency.
Raymond Chikapa Enock Phiri passed away last week. Phiri, who was born in Mpumalanga in 1947, started his music career in the late 1960s as a guitarist. He will be laid to rest on Saturday.
A Special Provincial Official Funeral category is designated by the President for distinguished persons.
The President has instructed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast in Mpumalanga on the day of his funeral.
Phiri was an internationally-acclaimed music legend who contributed immensely to the advancement of creative arts in South Africa.
He was also honoured with the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver for his sterling contribution to the South African music industry and the successful use of arts as an instrument of social transformation.
President Zuma has once again extended his deepest condolences to the Phiri family, relatives, friends and music industry on this sad loss.
The Presidency said details of the funeral will be communicated by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government. - SAnews.gov.za
