By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The traditional leader of the amaNdebele akwaManala, King Makhosoke II – Enock Makhosoke Mabhena – will be afforded a special Official Funeral Category 1, with military honours.
The monarch passed away on Tuesday at the age of 65, concluding a historic 40-year reign on the throne.
President Cyril Ramaphosa directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast from tomorrow, Saturday, 13 June 2026, to Sunday evening.
The traditional leader of the amaNdebele akwaManala will be laid to rest on Sunday, with the funeral service taking place at the Solomon Mahlangu in KwaMhlanga in Mpumalanga.
As part of the Category 1 status, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will provide full military honours during the ceremony.
Ramaphosa extended his deepest condolences to the Royal Household, Queen Sekhothali, the amaNdebele people, and the Basotho nation, from which the Queen is descended.
Government and traditional leaders are expected to gather alongside thousands of mourners to pay their final respects to the long-serving leader.
In summary, there are three main types of funerals in the Funeral Policy, namely, the State Funeral, Official Funeral and Provincial Official Funeral.
The State Funeral is divided into two categories:
State Funeral Category 1 is reserved for the President of the Republic of South Africa, the President-elect of the Republic of South Africa and Former Presidents of the Republic of South Africa.
State Funeral Category 2 is for the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa; Acting President of the Republic of South Africa and Former/Deputy Presidents of the Republic of South Africa.
The Official Funeral is also divided into two categories:
Official Funeral Category 1 is for Serving Ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly, Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Premiers of Provinces, distinguished persons specifically designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa.
Official Funeral Category 2 is for the Spouse of a serving President, the Spouse of a serving Deputy President, Deputy Ministers, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa and The President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.
The Provincial Official Funeral is divided into a Provincial Official Funeral Category 1 which is for the Speaker of the Legislature and Members of the Executive Committee.
The Provincial Funeral Category 2 is accorded to the Deputy Speaker of the Legislature.
Distinguished persons can be granted a special Provincial Official Funeral Category. The Premier of a province sends a request to the President for consideration if they feel a resident of the province deserves such recognition.
The manual is available on The Presidency website, here.