Celani Sikhakhane
President Cyril Ramaphosa has given the leader of the National Freedom Party (NFP) Zanele kaMagwaza Msibi a state funeral.
The honour comes after kaMagwaza Msibi’s family accused the Inkatha Freedom-controlled municipality in Ulundi of blocking the family’s attempts to hold a funeral and memorial service.
The latest plans were announced by the KZN provincial government after Premier Sihle Zikalala asked Ramaphosa to honour kaMagwaza Msibi.
KZN government spokesperson Lennox Mabaso said the funeral is expected to take place on Saturday but the Premier is still communicating with the family.
KaMagwaza Msibi died on Monday morning after a cardiac arrest.
On Thursday friends and family gathered at the Roman Catholic church in her hometown of Ulundi to celebrate her life.
NFP secretary general Canaan Mdletshe thanked Ramaphosa and Zikalala for recognising KaMagwaza Msibi’s work.
Other political leaders have praised kaMagwaza Msibi for paving a way for black women to start their own political parties, with Patricia de Lille, Dr Makhosi Khoza, and Nomsa Dube all saying they had learned from her.
