Update on memorial and funeral of late AmaXhosa King Zwelonke Sigcawu

26 November 2019

Government wishes to provide update on the preparation for the Official Memorial and Special Official Funeral of the late AmaXhosa King, Zwelonke Mpendulo Sigcawu who passed on in the morning of Thursday, 14 November 2019.

President Ramaphosa has since declared that the King will be honored with the Special  Official Funeral Category 1 with military honors.  This is in line with government’s State, Official and Provincial Funeral Policy.

1.    Official Memorial Service

The Official Memorial service will be held at 14h00 on Wednesday, 27 November 2019.  The venue is East London Abbotsford Christian Centre in Eastern Cape.  The service is open to members of the public to attend. 

2.    Special Official Funeral

The funeral will be held on Friday, 29 November 2019 at the King’s residence, Nqadu Great Place in Willowvale, Eastern Cape.  The  burial will take place on the same compound. The service is open to members of the public to attend.

3.    Accreditation (For Media Only)

Members of the media who wish to cover the funeral service and burial are advised to apply for accreditation by completing the form in full and submit it to pheliswa@gcis.gov.za  or tabita@gcis.gov.za  by Wednesday, 27 November 2019.  Details regarding the issuing of accreditation to those who have successfully applied will be communicated at a later stage.

4.    Condolence books

Members of the public who wish to send messages of condolence to the family and friends of King Sigcawu are advised to make use of condolence books available at the following points:

• The Union Buildings
• Parliament
• Tuynhuys
•  Office of the Premier, Eastern Cape
• Provincial Legislatures
• Nqadu Great Place
• Amathole District Municipality
• Mnquma Local Municipality and  
• Mbhashe Local Municipality
• Department of Communication (GCIS Head office)
• Premier’s Offices

Messages of condolence may also be sent through the email condolences@gcis.gov.za.

For accreditation related queries members of the media may contact Pheliswa Sebati on 082 413 4609 or Tabita Ngqunge on 072 344 7712

Enquiries:
Phumla Williams Spokesperson, Government Spokesperson
Cell: 083 5010 139