President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral Category 1 for the late struggle heroine, Mama Agnes Msimang.
The Presidency said on Monday a Special Official Funeral Category 1 entails elements of military ceremonial honours and is declared, in line with the Presidency’s State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy, for persons of extraordinary credentials specifically designated by the President.
In line with this declaration, the National Flag will fly at half-mast at all flag stations countrywide and at South African diplomatic missions abroad.
Mama Msimang was a former diplomat, committed gender activist and a heroine of the South African struggle who, together with countless other women, mobilised communities across South Africa against the apartheid system.
She passed away at age 89 at a Johannesburg hospital last Thursday.
In 2014, she received the National Order of Luthuli in Silver for her contribution to the fight against the unjust laws of apartheid and for her selfless service to the cause of South Africa's liberation.
She was also the recipient of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s highest accolade, the OR Tambo Lifetime Achievement Ubuntu Award.
Daily prayers will be held at the family home at 16 Olden Ways, Kelvin, Johannesburg until Thursday from 6pm to 7pm.
A memorial service will be held at the Tshwane City Hall on Wednesday and the funeral will be on Friday at Our Lady of Cedars Catholic Church, Woodmead. - SAnews.gov.za
