Pretoria - Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi will represent President Jacob Zuma at the funeral of Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew, the presidency said on Friday.
The funeral would be held on Sunday.
“We once again extend our deepest condolences to the people of Singapore on the passing of their icon,” Zuma said in a statement.
“We are reminded of our own painful passing of President Nelson Mandela recently and understand too well the pain that they are going through. We wish the government and people of Singapore strength during this difficult period'.”
Lee was prime minister from 1956 to 1990 and died on Monday, aged 91.
The Associated Press reported that Lee was admitted to Singapore General Hospital on February 5 for severe pneumonia and was later put on life support.
The prime minister's office said in a statement on its website that Lee “passed away peacefully” at the hospital at 3.18am on Monday.
Sapa