Struggle stalwart Reggie Vandeyar to be given special funeral

20 September 2015 - 12:23 By RDM News Wire

President Jacob Zuma has declared a Special Provincial Official Funeral for former struggle stalwart and veteran freedom fighter Reggie Vandeyar‚ who died on Thursday. This category of funeral designated for distinguished persons‚ the Presidency said.“The President has instructed that the National Flag fly at half-mast in the Gauteng Province on Sunday‚ 20 September 2015‚ the day of his funeral‚” the Presidency said in a statement.In a message of condolence on Friday‚ President Zuma said Mr Vandeyar would be remembered for “his selfless dedication” in the struggle against apartheid as a member of Umkhonto Wesizwe‚ the military wing of the African National Congress‚ and as a fearless member of the Transvaal Indian Congress and the Communist Party.Mr Vandeyar‚ who was an active delegate to the Congress of the People that established the Freedom Charter in 1955 in Kliptown‚ was among the first three members of Indian origin to be arrested for MK activities in the then Transvaal. They were sentenced to ten years each and were transferred to Robben Island.In April 2014 President Zuma awarded a National Order of Mendi for Bravery to Mr Vandeyar for his remarkable bravery during the struggle against apartheid and for striving for a free and democratic South Africa.“We are deeply saddened to lose struggle veterans like Comrade Reggie Vandeyar who are the reservoir of the history of our struggle for freedom. On behalf of government and all South Africans‚ we convey our heartfelt condolences to his family and relatives. May his soul rest in eternal peace‚” President Zuma said...

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