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President Jacob Zuma has declared a Special Official Funeral for the former Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ms Bongi Maria Ntuli, who passed away on Saturday, 22 October in Pretoria after a long illness.

The Special 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.

Ms Ntuli was a former Member of Parliament who also served as Deputy Minister of Social Development and of Trade and Industry. She was also an active participant at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (Codesa) talks that shaped the kind of democracy being enjoyed today.

“We must celebrate her life and contribution to the struggle for the liberation of our country as well as her invaluable input into the rebuilding and reconstruction of post-apartheid South Africa. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family, relatives and friends. May her soul rest in peace,” said President Zuma.

President Zuma has ordered that the National Flag at all flag stations in the country be flown at half-mast from today, 28 October 2016 until the day of the funeral tomorrow, 29 October 2016. The Mpumalanga Provincial Government, together with the Department of Social Development, will communicate the details of the funeral.

Issued by the Presidency