South Africa: President Declares Days Of Mourning For Mam’ Winnie

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In honour of late struggle stalwart Mam’ Winnie Nomzamo Madikizela-Mandela, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa declared on Wednesday national days of mourning from 3 April until 14 April.

A recipient of the Order of Luthuli in silver for her “excellent contribution to the fight for the liberation of the people of South Africa”, Madikizela-Mandela will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 1.

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. It is given to persons of extraordinary credentials, as designated by the President.

“Mam’ Winnie deserves the highest respect our nation can demonstrate in honour of a patriot and citizen who served our nation and humanity at large with distinction during our liberation struggle and throughout our democratic dispensation,” said President Ramaphosa.

In line with this declaration, the National Flag shall with immediate effect fly at half-mast at all flag stations countrywide and at South African diplomatic missions abroad. This will be observed until the evening of 14 April.

Madikizela-Mandela passed away in the early hours of Monday at Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg.

According to her family, Madikizela-Mandela died after a long illness, for which she had been in and out of hospital since the start of the year.

The official memorial service for Madikizela-Mandela will be held at Regina Mundi Catholic Church, Mkhize Street, Soweto, on Wednesday, 11 April.

The Special Official Funeral proceedings will be held at Orlando Stadium, Soweto, on Saturday, 14 April.

“Further details will be announced as arrangements are finalised in consultation between government and the family of Mam’ Winnie Madikizela-Mandela,” said the Presidency.

SA News

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