By 
To honour the late first Minister of Education in the democratic South Africa Prof Sibusiso Bengu, President H.E Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official category 2 funeral which will take place on Friday, 10 January 2025.
Bengu, a pioneer and champion who led the transformation of education in the country during the dispensation of democracy lived a full life and passed away at the age of 90 years on 30 December 2024.
The President has since extended his condolences to the family and in particular to his wife Funeka.
“The Education Act formulated under Prof Bengu’s leadership and adopted by our fledgling Parliament was a cornerstone of our liberation and unleashed the human potential of all South Africans. It was and is still the lever for the empowerment and development we see today in the lives of individuals and communities.
We are therefore indebted to Prof Bengu for his patriotic and visionary service in serving our nation at home and abroad as our Ambassador to Germany,” said Ramaphosa.
“His legacy is entrenched through the Sibusiso Bengu Development Programme which seeks to advance the development of historically disadvantaged institutions in higher education as strong, socially embedded institutions in a diversified post-school education and training system.
“Today we are grateful for Prof Bengu’s diverse contributions to our development, which will light our way forward. We reflect as well on his life of faith which inspired his commitment to restoring the dignity of all South Africans. May his soul rest in peace,” he continued.
Prof Bengu also served as South Africa’s ambassador to Germany from 1999 to 2003.
Prof Bengu’s Special Official Funeral Category 2 will be held at the University of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, 10 January 2025.
Proceedings will include ceremonial elements rendered by the South African Police Service.
President Ramaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at flag stations around the country from tomorrow morning, Tuesday, 7 January, until the evening of the funeral.
