Johannesburg – African National Congress (ANC) struggle veteran Ahmed Kathrada’s funeral will take place on Wednesday morning at the Westpark Cemetery, Beyers Naude Drive, Johannesburg.
The former Robben Island prisoner affectionately known as "uncle Kathy" died in hospital on Tuesday after a short illness following surgery to the brain. Kathrada was 87.
President Jacob Zuma, who will not be attending the send off, has declared a "Special Official Funeral" for the late Rivonia Treason Triallist.
Uncle Kathy was tried and sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island prison along former President Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu.
He was one of the longest serving political prisoners in the country. He served 26 years and three months in prison.
Zuma has instructed that the national flag fly at half-mast at every station in the country from Tuesday "until the evening of the official memorial service". Former president and board member of the Kathrada Foundation Kgalema Motlanthe will speak at the event.
Anti-apartheid struggle stalwart Sophie Williams-de Bruyn, a former Robben Island prisoner, and a family member will also address the mourners.
This will be followed by the ritual Muslim funeral prayer rites, which will commence at 11.30am at the cemetery. This will be followed by the final burial rites. Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the send-off of the much-loved stalwart within government.
Former president Thabo Mbeki will also attend.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation said the programme, which begins at 10am, will include a political tribute session. "Members of the public and the media are welcome to attend the funeral ceremony."