Zuma did not cancel memorial service for Kathrada‚ Presidency says

The Presidency has denied reports that President Jacob Zuma cancelled an official memorial service for the late struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada.

“The Presidency wishes to correct a wrong impression that has been created in the public domain that President Jacob Zuma cancelled the memorial service that he had declared for stalwart Mr Ahmed Kathrada. This is not true‚” it said in a statement.

It said Zuma had declared a Special Official Funeral for the late stalwart and directed government to organise an official memorial service to be addressed by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa on behalf of government.

Phil Magakoe

Picture: Phil Magakoe

“As is publicly known‚ the President did not attend the funeral and was not going to attend the memorial service either‚ respecting the wishes of the family. President Zuma was not involved in the planning of the memorial service and in the cancellation thereof‚” the Presidency said.

“Any impression created that the President cancelled or ordered the cancellation is erroneous and unfortunate‚” it added.

The Ahmed Kathrada and Nelson Mandela Foundations‚ and the South African Communist Party hosted a memorial service for Kathrada on Saturday afternoon after the government reportedly said earlier this week it was postponing the event until further notice.

Picture: Phil Magakoe