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3 July 2008

The President has on Thursday, 3 July 2008, announced the funeral of former Minister Joe Nhlanhla to be an official funeral category one.

A category one official funeral is reserved for:

a. Serving Ministers
b. Speaker of the National Assembly
c. Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa
d. Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP)
e. Premiers of Provinces
f. Distinguished persons specifically designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa

The Nhlanhla family has agreed to the funeral being official and details of the funeral will be announced in due course after further consultation with the family.

Born on December 4, 1936 in Sophia Town, Joe Nhlanhla dedicated his life to the struggle against apartheid and the building of a non racial, non sexist and democratic South Africa.

Joe Nhlanhla was appointed Deputy Minister of Intelligence in July 1994 and Minister of Intelligence in 1999. After suffering from a stroke while on duty in July 2000, he subsequently was released from his duties both as a member of Cabinet and Parliament due to ill health.

Delivering the State of the Nation Address on February 9, 2001, President Mbeki described Joe Nhlanhla as "a principled and loyal patriot" and lamented that "The cruel misfortune of ill-health brought about by pressures of work has deprived all of us of his dedicated service."

In recognition of his illustrious role, President Mbeki bestowed Joe Nhlanhla with the Order of Luthuli in June 2004.

President Thabo Mbeki has, on behalf of the Government of South Africa and on his own behalf, conveyed condolences to the family of the late former Intelligence Minister.

For more information, please contact:
Thabang Chiloane
Tel: 012 300 5311
Cell: 082 8888 783

Issued by: The Presidency
3 July 2008