Media release

Government announces arrangements for funeral of Agnes Msimang

25 October 2018

25 October 2018

The Inter- Ministerial Committee (IMC) on State Funerals led by Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma met on Wednesday, 24 October 2018 to discuss progress on the arrangements of the Special Official Funeral Category 1, for the late Mama Agnes Msimang who passed away at a Johannesburg hospital, last Thursday, 18 October 2018 at age 89.

The Special Official Funeral Category 1 is for persons of extraordinary credentials specifically designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa and it entails elements of military ceremonial honours.

Mama Msimang was a former diplomat, committed gender activist and a heroine of the South African struggle who together with countless other women mobilized their communities across South Africa against the apartheid system. In 2014 she received the National Order of Luthuli in Silver in 2014 for her contribution to the fight against the unjust laws of apartheid, and for her selfless service to the cause of South Africa's liberation. She was also the recipient of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s (DIRCO) highest accolade, the OR Tambo Lifetime Achievement Ubuntu Award.

A memorial service was held on Wednesday, 24 October 2018 at the Johannesburg City Hall to honour Mama Msimang.

Daily prayers are held at the family home until Thursday, 25 October 2018 from 18h00- 19h00.

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa- Nqakula will deliver the eulogy at the funeral of Mama Agnes Msimang which will be held on Friday, 26 October 2018 at 8h00 at the Our Lady of Cedars Catholic Church in Woodmead.

Messages of condolences can be sent via email to msimangcondolences@gcis.gov.za 

Media enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Cell: 083 501 0139

Issued by: Government Communications

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