President Jacob Zuma has declared a Special Provincial Official Funeral for the late educationist, human rights campaigner, community leader and one of the country's leading academic and religious leaders, the Reverend Dr Simon Gqubule.

This category of a funeral is designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa for distinguished persons.

Dr Gqubule was awarded the Order of Luthuli in Silver on 28 April 2016 by the President, in recognition of his excellent contribution to the liberation struggle and to the field of education and religion.

The President has instructed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast in the Eastern Cape Province on Thursday 02 June 2016, the day of his funeral.

President Zuma has once again extended his deepest condolences to the Gqubule family, relatives and friends on this sad loss.

The details of the funeral will be communicated by the Eastern Cape Provincial Government.

Issued by the Presidency