President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a special official funeral category 1 for Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
The Arch, as he was affectionately known, passed away a day after Christmas at the age of 90.
The funeral will take place at St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town on New Year’s Day.
In a statement from the president’s office on Tuesday, it said that based on the archbishop’s wishes, the SANDF ceremonial content will be limited to the handing over of the national flag to his wife, Leah Tutu.
The funeral will be held in compliance with the provisions of the COVID-19 health regulations.
This designation is enabled by the State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy Manual.
The distinguishing features of a Special Official Funeral – Category 1 include ceremonial elements by the South African National Defence Force.
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) December 28, 2021
On this particular occasion and based on the late Archbishop’s wishes, the SANDF ceremonial content will be limited to the handing over of the National Flag to Mam Leah Tutu.
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) December 28, 2021
-EWN
In other news – Actress Natasha Thahane speaks on her life as Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s granddaughter
Actress Natasha Thahane is popular for her work on Skeem Saam, Saints and Sinners and now The Queen. The actress also happens to be the granddaughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. She lets us into their lives.
The Soweto-born artist used to live with her grandfather. At 16, she moved in with him in Cape Town so she could study at Middleton High School. I call him “Khulu” and our relationship grew stronger when I moved in with him and his wife, my grandmother, Leah. Learn More