Durban - Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa’s funeral will be an official one.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu said the provincial government had made a formal submission to President Jacob Zuma to give Meyiwa an official funeral.
“Senzo served the nation with distinction until his last days. As a hero, he will be laid to rest at Heroes Acre in Chesterville where other heroes such as (journalist) Nat Nakasa are buried,” he said.
The funeral service will be held at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, starting at 8am.
Preparations are being co-ordinated by the KZN government, eThekwini Municipality, Orlando Pirates, the SA Football Association and the Premier Soccer League.
A memorial service, open to the public, was to be held at the Durban City Hall at noon on Friday.
Metro police spokesman Eugene Msomi said that they expected about 50 000 people to attend the funeral on Saturday. Parking within the stadium perimeter would be restricted to stadium management, VIPs, accredited vehicles, service providers and emergency vehicles.
He said parking spaces open to the public are the Mustering Fields, Kings Park swimming pool, Suncoast, Old Natal Command, plus on-street parking along uMgeni Road, Livingstone Road, Adrian Road, Windermere Road and Percy Osborne Road.
“We also anticipate some congestion along the Ruth First highway (M4) from the airport during mid-morning,”
Msomi said.
On Thursday, high-profile people continued to make their way to the Meyiwa home in uMlazi.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura and MEC for Community Safety Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane paid their respects.
AmaZulu and Royal Eagles football club members and players also visited the family.
The Mercury