On New Year’s Day, the Special Official Funeral will be held at St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town for Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu.
President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed on Tuesday, December 28, that the late Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu will be given an official Category 1 state funeral.
According to the government, the decision to have a Category 1 burial was taken in “honour of the late Archbishop Emeritus’ illustrious life and irreplaceable service to the nation.”
What is a Category 1 funeral?
A State funeral is a public funeral service with full military ceremonial honours that is normally reserved for all South African Presidents as well as other noteworthy persons.
What does a Category 1 state funeral entail?
There are two types of state funerals in South Africa;
1. State Funeral Category 1
Category 1 State Funerals are designated for the President of the Republic of South Africa, the President-elect, and previous presidents.
The balustrades and pillars of the Union Buildings, the capital city’s City Hall, and any other structure requested by the president shall be shrouded in black material for Category 1 state funerals.
2. State Funeral Category 2
The deputy president, acting president, and past deputy presidents, as well as the wives of the sitting president, deputy president, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeal, are normally reserved for State Funeral Category 2.
