Here is what you need to know about state-funded funerals
There are four types of state-funded funerals: state, official, provincial and special provincial funerals. Spokesperson of the Office of the Premier Kenny Mathivha says the families who feel that their deceased deserves an official funeral can apply to the Premier
LIMPOPO – A state funeral is a public funeral ceremony, observing the strict rules of protocol, held to honour people of national significance.
State funerals usually include much pomp and ceremony as well as religious overtones and distinctive elements of military tradition.
The Office of the Premier in Limpopo has applied for a state funeral in the honour of the late Ike Maphoto. In this instance the official funeral has been granted and has been given special status because Ike Maphoto was part of the order of Luthuli. This status means that the funeral will not only be handled by the police but the South African Defence force as well.
Spokesperson of the Office of the Premier Kenny Mathivha says the families who feel that their deceased deserves an official funeral can apply to the Premier who will send the application to the office of the presidency. “There is a specific criterion to be met for an official funeral, the inter-ministerial team will be the one to determine if the deceased meets the specified criteria.”
The State Funeral is divided into two categories:
State Funeral Category 1 is reserved for the President of the Republic of South Africa, the President-elect of the Republic of South Africa and Former Presidents of the Republic of South Africa.
State Funeral Category 2 is for the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa; Acting President of the Republic of South Africa and Former/Deputy Presidents of the Republic of South Africa.
The Official Funeral is also divided into two categories:
Official Funeral Category 1 is for Serving Ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly, Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Premiers of Provinces, and distinguished persons.
Official Funeral Category 2 is for the Spouse of a serving President, the Spouse of a serving Deputy President, Deputy Ministers, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa and The President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.
The Provincial Official Funeral is divided into 2 categories:
Provincial Official Funeral Category 1 which is for the Speaker of the Legislature and Members of the Executive Committee.
The Provincial Funeral Category 2 is accorded to the Deputy Speaker of the Legislature.
Distinguished persons can be granted a special Provincial Official Funeral Category.
The State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy Manual is available on The Presidency website: https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/pebble.asp?
