President Thabo Mbeki to Speak at Special Official Funeral of Walter Sisulu

President Thabo Mbeki will deliver the main eulogy at the special official funeral of the late ANC stalwart, Walter Sisulu, at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 17 May 2003. This was announced by the Rev. Frank Chikane, Director General in the Presidency, today (Tuesday, May 13).

The Government has organized two memorial services: in Pretoria today, Tuesday, 13 May, and Cape Town tomorrow, Wednesday, 14 May. These services will be addressed by Government representatives, Minister Essop Pahad and Deputy President Jacob Zuma, respectively, as well as veterans such as Ahmed Kathrada and Raymond Mhlaba, both of whom served long years of imprisonment with Walter Sisulu during the apartheid era.

The body of the late Mr Sisulu will lie in state from 19H00 to 23H30 at the Uncle Tom's Community Hall in Soweto on Friday, 16 May. A night vigil will also be held at the same hall.

The day of the special official funeral, Saturday, 17 May, will begin with the arrival of the cortege at the Sisulu Residence, Orlando West, at 05H00. A family valedictory service will be held at the Sisulu Residence between 07H00 and 08H00; in attendance will be President Mbeki, former President Mandela, Deputy President Jacob Zuma and officials of the ANC.

The cortege will then proceed to Orlando Stadium where the main funeral service will be held between 09H00-11H40.

A number of foreign dignitaries, including the former President of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, some Heads of State and Government, diplomats and political figures, are expected to join the thousands at the funeral. Members of the public are also expected to turn out in large numbers in view of Walter Sisulu's revered position among the masses.

Issued by the Presidency

Enquiries: Bheki Khumalo on 083 256 9133