Acting President declares Special Official Funeral for Ambassador Khumalo

As an anti-apartheid campaigner, Ambassador Khumalo played an influential role in the process that led to the UN’s declaration of apartheid as a crime against humanity.

Acting President David Mabuza has declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2, for the late Ambassador Dumisani Khumalo who passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday evening, 20 January 2019, at the age of 71.

Ambassador Khumalo served as South Africa's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) in New York from 1999 to 2009, a period during which he represented South Africa during its first tenure on the UN Security Council from 2007-2008. Ambassador Khumalo also served as co-chair for the establishment of the UN Human Rights Council; and was chair at the UN of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Group of 77 plus China. As an anti-apartheid campaigner, Ambassador Khumalo played an influential role in the process that led to the UN's declaration of apartheid as a crime against humanity.

A Special Official Funeral Category 2 entails elements of police ceremonial honours in line with the Presidency's State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy, for distinguished persons specifically designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa. In line with this declaration, the National Flag shall, from tomorrow morning, 24 January 2019, fly at half-mast at all flag stations countrywide until the evening of the burial.

(With Inputs from South African Presidency)