ALBERTINA Sisulu’s final journey will begin at her house in Khumalo Street, Orlando East, and follow a route similar to that which her late husband Walter took eight years ago.
MaSisulu’s coffin will be draped in two different flags tomorrow and, at journey’s end, will come to rest in the plot alongside her husband’s grave. The journey from her home in Khumalo Street will begin with the coffin draped in an ANC flag. Cabinet members, high-level ANC members and possibly heads of state will join the procession. As of yesterday, according to ANC spokesman Keith Khoza, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete had confirmed he was coming. Khoza said other heads of state were expected, and they would know by today.
The military will take ownership of the event at Orlando Stadium, with Master Chief Warrant Officer Johan Scheepers being in charge.
At Orlando Stadium, away from the public’s gaze, the ANC flag will be replaced by a South African flag. The coffin will then be slow-marched into the stadium. It is here where President Jacob Zuma will speak. From Orlando Stadium, the procession will snake its way to Croesus cemetery in Bosmont.
When the coffin is over the grave, a small South African flag will be handed to the family. The army chaplain will give the service, and once the Last Post has been played, the military will end their commitment and the family will take charge.
Today, the soldiers taking part in the state funeral will be going through their final rehearsal.
“If everything goes smoothly, I will be more relaxed,” Scheepers said. MaSisulu’s funeral will take place from 9am tomorrow. It will be televised live on SABC2 and on eNews. Read More
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