Mabuza, who passed away last week following a short illness, will receive an Official State Funeral Category two  with military honours in Mbombela, in the Mpumalanga province. He will then be laid to rest in a private burial service at his family home in Barberton.

National flags will continue to be flown at half-mast at all stations around the country until Mabuza’s burial.

Chief Director of Communications at GCIS, William Baloyi, says final preparations are underway.

“We have planned, as government, for close to 3 000 mourners, but obviously the number might be more. Although we want to appeal, obviously, for people to use the relevant media platforms—those who are able to join from home,” said Baloyi.

“But up to this point, we have planned for close to 3 000 people who will be in the stadium. In terms of the dignitaries, I can confirm that, for example, I know the Deputy Prime Minister of eSwatini will be among the mourners.”

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--