FACT SHEET STATE FUNERAL

  • A State Funeral is a public funeral ceremony with full military ceremonial honours reserved for all Presidents of South Africa.
  • The National Flag will fly at half-mast at all flag stations throughout the country and at missions abroad from the date of the announcement of the death until the evening of the burial.
  • The National Days of Mourning begin from the date of the announcement of the death of until the evening of the burial or cremation.
  • The remains of the deceased will Lie-in-State at the Union Buildings or any other place declared by the President of the Republic of South Africa.
  • The length of the period for the Lying-in-State will be determined by the President.
  • The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will deploy a Guard of Honour for the arrival and removal of the remains from the venue of the Lying-in-State.
  • SANDF Sentries will be posted to guard the remains continuously until moved from the venue.
  • The Office of the Director-General in The Presidency is charged with organising, planning and executing all funeral arrangements.
  • The Director-General in The Presidency will appoint a Special Aide to the family to assist with arrangements such as liaising with the relevant government departments that will be coordinating preparations for the funeral.
  • The Presidency together with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation will coordinate the receiving of mourners and honoured guests at international airports and other arrival points of South Africa.
  • The Director-General in The Presidency will formulate a list of honorary pall-bearers from the civilian side, in accordance with the desires of the next-of-kin and will notify the persons selected.
  • The State Funeral Service will be conducted at the Union Buildings amphitheatre or at any other venue as directed by the President of the Republic.
  • The burial may take place in the Capital City as the seat of Government, unless the family of the deceased decides on a different place.
  • Government will provide free transport for mourners attending the venue of an official Memorial Service for the late President.
  • Government must also provide the necessary logistical support to the family of the deceased, including coordinating the development and distribution of programmes for the Memorial Service and Funeral.

Issued by The Department: Government Communications and Information Systems