Preparations underway for Collins Chabane's funeral

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on State Funerals on Tuesday met in Cape Town to prepare for the official funeral of Minister Chabane.

President Jacob Zuma has ordered that the National Flags be flown at half-mast at all flag posts in the Republic on Saturday, the day of the funeral.

The Department of Communications said the venue for the memorial service has been changed from Tshwane City Hall to Tshwane Events Centre (formerly known as Pretoria Show Grounds), and will take place on Thursday at 1200.

"Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address [during the memorial service]," the department said.

The late Minister Chabane will be laid to rest on Saturday at his home village Xikundu, Thulamela Municipality in the Vhembe District, Limpopo.

"The funeral service will commence at 9am... President Jacob Zuma will deliver the oration," said the department.

Condolence books

Condolence books have been placed at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Tuynhuys and Parliament in Cape Town, the Department of Public Service and Administration at Johannes Ramokhoase Street in Pretoria and the Office of the Premier in Limpopo province.

Social media

The Presidency has also created a special email address to ensure that all messages of condolences reach the President and the Chabane family.
Members of the public can send their messages to az.vog.ycnediserp@noitacinummoc.

"All messages will be collated into a book, which will be delivered to the Chabane family. The email will be open until Sunday.

"The social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook will run from 17 March until Sunday, 22 March," said the department.

Members of the public are requested to make use of the Twitter account @PresidencyZa and the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa page on Facebook. The hashtag to be used is #RIPMinChabane.

*Click here to view the SANews.gov.za online tribute to Minister Chabane.