What is a State Funeral?

• A State Funeral is a public funeral ceremony with full military ceremonial honours reserved for all Presidents of South Africa.

• The National Flag will fly at half-mast at all flag stations throughout the country and at missions abroad from the date of the announcement of the death until the evening of the burial.

• The National Days of Mourning begin from the date of the announcement of the death of until the evening of the burial or cremation.

• The remains of the deceased will lie in State at the Union Buildings or any other place declared by the President of the Republic of South Africa.

• The length of the period for the lying-in-state will be determined by the President.

• The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will deploy a Guard of Honour for the arrival and removal of the remains from the venue of the Lying-in-State.

• SANDF Sentries will be posted to guard the remains continuously until moved from the venue.

• The Office of the Director-General in The Presidency is charged with organising, planning and executing all funeral arrangements.

• The Director-General in The Presidency will appoint a Special Aide to the family to assist with arrangements such as liaising with the relevant government departments that will be coordinating preparations for the funeral.

• The Presidency together with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation will coordinate the receiving of mourners and honoured guests at international airports and other arrival points of South Africa.

• The Director-General in The Presidency will formulate a list of honorary pall-bearers from the civilian side, in accordance with the desires of the next-of-kin and will notify the persons selected.

• The State Funeral Service will be conducted at the Union Buildings amphitheatre or at any other venue as directed by the President of the Republic.

• The burial may take place in the Capital City as the seat of Government, unless the family of the deceased decides on a different place.

• Government will provide free transport for mourners attending the venue of an official Memorial Service for the late President.

• Government must also provide the necessary logistical support to the family of the deceased, including coordinating the development and distribution of programmes for the Memorial Service and Funeral.

• A burial with full military honours means the following: State funeral category 1 meaning a full military ceremonial honours. Funeral procession lead by the military.  It includes:
  • 21 gun salutes
    
  • Guard of honour
    
  • Poll  bearers
    
  • Fly past
    
  • Gun carriage to carry the coffin
    
  • Brass band
    
  • Street lining
    
  • Playing of the National Anthem

General enquiries

Frequently asked questions

Tel: 012 473 0114 or 012 473 0389
E-mail: information@gcis.gov.za