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Special funeral for late struggle veteran

By Staff Writer 2 Mar 2017 1 Min Read Save

Last updated: 2 Mar 2017, 08:02

South Africa President Jacob Zuma gives a press conference on July 29, 2013 at the Unions Building in Pretoria. South African-born Hollywood actress and UN Messenger of Peace Charlize Theron also took part in the press conference, accompanied by the Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibe, to discuss the strides being made in the fight against HIV and AIDS and how collaboration can assist mitigate the pandemic's negative impact on young girls. They will also explore ways to support South Africa's efforts to enable young women and girls to lead healthier and HIV and AIDS -free lives. AFP PHOTO / STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN

Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma has declared a Special Provincial Official Funeral for late struggle veteran and former Robben Island prisoner, Collen Monde Mkunqwana, who recently passed away.

According to the Presidency, Mkunqwana was a descendent of Makhanda Nxele, a warrior who led the attack against the British in Grahamstown, the municipality which is now named after Makana.

“We pay tribute to this distinguished struggle veteran and an organic intellectual with enormous influence and contribution to the education of other political prisoners in Robben Island.

“We were all pleasantly surprised that even after his release from prison, Tata Mkunqwana continued with the struggle for emancipation, mobilising the oppressed masses to demand one man one vote in a free South Africa. We wish to extend our deepest condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace,” President Zuma said on Wednesday.

President Zuma has ordered that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at every flag station in the Eastern Cape on the day of the funeral.

Mkunqwana passed away on 21 February.

The details of the funeral will be communicated by the Eastern Cape Provincial Government.

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