By Thokozani Mtshali and Sapa
President Mbeki has given the go-ahead for a special official funeral for ANC veteran Raymond Mhlaba who died on Sunday night at the age of 85.
"A special official funeral is given to people who have made a major contribution to the creation of democracy in our country."
"The President believes Raymond Mhlaba belongs to that cadre of leaders," presidential spokesperson Bheki Khumalo said on Monday.
Mbeki had also ordered that the South African flag fly at half-mast from Tuesday until the day of the funeral, which had yet to be confirmed.
- Political leaders from across the spectrum on Monday mourned Mhlaba, 85, who died from liver cancer.
Mbeki said Mhlaba had endured a generation of incarceration under the apartheid regime and together with South Africa's fellow heroes had managed to play a valued public role as the country's democracy took root.
"His death robs us of yet another hero - a member of a splendid, unforgettable generation," the President said.
Mhlaba served briefly as premier of the Eastern Cape, before being posted to Uganda as South Africa's ambassador.
He was also a patron of the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa).
"His brave personal fight against the disease has inspired millions of South Africans who are affected by cancer," said Cansa president Precious Moloi.
Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said it was rather difficult to accept "that the flame that once illuminated the corridors of South Africa diplomacy... has forever dimmed."
The ANC described Mhlaba as "an outstanding revolutionary, a selfless and dedicated combatant, and a much respected and admired leader".
Nelson Mandela - who was imprisoned with Mhlaba on Robben Island - said his friend's death "removes from us one of the real stalwarts of our movement, a person who in his life and work embodied the highest values our struggle stood for and strove towards".
The Pan Africanist Congress praised Mhlaba for helping to attain South Africa's freedom.
The Democratic Alliance said Mhlaba would go down in history as one of the founders of South Africa's hard-won democracy.