Amid the controversy of the status of the late former president FW de Klerk, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that flags would fly at half-mast in his honour.
De Klerk passed away at the age of 85 following a long illness with cancer on Thursday, 11 November.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the National Flag be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the late former Deputy President FW de Klerk,” said the Presidency.
Some organisations have spoken against honouring De Klerk saying he never atoned for his role at the helm of the apartheid government.
They also denigrate him for denying that apartheid was a crime against humanity.
However, other organistations including the Nelson Mandela Foundation laud De Klerk for the role he played in ending apartheid.
“The FW de Klerk Foundation has announced that the cremation and funeral of Mr De Klerk will take place in a private ceremony for family members on Sunday, 21 November 2021,” said the Presidency.
“President Ramaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half mast from sunset tomorrow, Wednesday, 17 November, until the evening of Sunday, 21 November.
“Government will at a future date host a state memorial service in remembrance of the former Deputy President.
“Government has consulted the De Klerk family and the FW de Klerk Foundation as part of preparing for this event in which government leaders, leaders of political parties and representatives of civil society will participate.”
