President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Sibusiso Bengu, democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Education, will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2.
Bengu passed away on December 30, 2024, at the age of 90.
In a statement on Monday, Ramaphosa’s office announced that Bengu’s government-sponsored funeral service would be held at the University of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday.
“President Ramaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at flag stations around the country from tomorrow morning, Tuesday, 7 January, until the evening of the funeral,” the Presidency said.
The proceedings will include ceremonial elements rendered by the South African Police Service.
In addition to being the first post-independence minister of education, Bengu also served as South Africa’s ambassador to Germany from 1999 to 2003.
JN/APA