Cape Town — President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the late Professor Sibusiso Bengu, South Africa’s first democratic minister of education, will receive a Special Official Funeral Category 2.
A Special Official Funeral Category 2 is reserved for distinguished persons specifically designated by the President of South Africa on request by the Premier of a Province.
According to The Presidency, Professor Bengu passed away on 30 December 2024 aged 90 and held several high-profile roles in South Africa’s history, including South Africa’s ambassador to Germany between 1999 and 2003 in addition to his role as Minister of Education.
Ramaphosa sent condolences to Bengu’s family and friends and said the Special Official Funeral Category 2 will be held at the University of Zululand in Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) on Friday 10 January 2025.
Funeral proceedings will include ceremonial elements rendered by the South African Police Services (SAPS) and Ramaphosa said the National Flag will be flown at half-mast all around the country, starting on the morning of Tuesday 7 January until the evening of the funeral.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 for the late Prof Sibusiso Bengu, South Africa’s first Minister of Education. The funeral will take place at the University of Zululand on 10 January 2025. 🇿🇦
The National Flag will be flown at… pic.twitter.com/Mf0Lcj7Zwe
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) January 6, 2025
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
