The late Aziz Pahad will get a category 2 special official funeral, according to the presidency. Pahad, who is the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs served in government from 1994 until 2008, when he retired. He died on Wednesday and will be buried at Westpark cemetery tomorrow. Pahad, who was also a member of the ANC NEC, is the brother of former minister in the presidency Essop Pahad, who died in July 2023. 

GIVE HIM HIS FLOWERS

President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered that all flags must be flown at half-mast until Saturday evening, after the funeral. "President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that Pahad will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 tomorrow, Saturday 30 September," said Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Magwenya. He said South African Police Services has been ordered to perform ceremonial rights and officiate the funeral. "The South African Police Service will provide ceremonial elements during the funeral service for the former Deputy Minister, which will commence at West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg at 10h00 tomorrow."

A MAN OF PEACE

Pahad has been hailed as a peacemaker and humanitarian. The family's spokesperson Dr Faizel Randera described Pahad as a servant of the people. "A patriot, freedom fighter and servant of the people throughout his life, former deputy minister Pahad was a dedicated member of the ANC, a brilliant diplomat and strategist, who served as a member of Parliament and Deputy Minister for International Relations from 1994 to 2008." President Ramaphosa has extended his deepest condolences to the Pahad family, who have in short succession lost their two loved ones.