President Cyril Ramaphosa declared that the national flag be flown at half-mast in honour of the late former deputy president FW de Klerk.
National flag to be flown at half-mast
De Klerk passed away on Thursday 11 November 2021 after a lifelong battle with mesothelioma cancer. He was 85 years old, survived by his wife Elita, his children Jan and Susan, as well as his grandchildren.
In its statement, the Presidency confirmed that, in memory of De Klerk, the national flag will be flown at half-mast from sunset on Wednesday until Sunday 21 November 2021, the day of his funeral.
“The FW de Klerk Foundation has announced that the cremation and funeral of Mr De Klerk will take place in a private ceremony for family members on Sunday, 21 November 2021.
“President Ramaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half mast from sunset tomorrow, Wednesday, 17 November, until the evening of Sunday, 21 November,” the statement read.
The national flag is usually flown at half-mast “as a sign of mourning only on instruction from The Presidency.”
When the National Flag is half-masted, it should first be hoisted to the top of the flagstaff and then slowly lowered until the centre of the flag is half-way between the truck and the bottom of the flagstaff. Before the flag is lowered at sunset, or at the appointed time, it should first be hoisted to the top of the flagstaff,” DIRCO explains.
FW de Klerk: Memorial service details
Amid growing cries warning the South African government to not recognise De Klerk due to issues with his unresolved past, Ramaphosa’s office announced that the former apartheid president will be honoured with a state memorial service.
This occasion, the Presidency explained, will be organised in conjunction with “the De Klerk family and the FW de Klerk Foundation.”
“Government has consulted the De Klerk family and the FW de Klerk Foundation as part of preparing for this event in which government leaders, leaders of political parties and representatives of civil society will participate,” the Presidency said.
Details on De Klerk’s memorial service will in due course.