Pretoria - South Africa goes into a national period of mourning today with flags flying at half mast following the death of former Education and Water Affairs Minister Kader Asmal, who has been granted an official funeral.
"President Jacob Zuma has decided to grant the late former Minister of Education and Water Affairs, Professor Kader Asmal an Official Funeral Category 1," said the Presidency.
This kind of funeral is reserved for distinguished persons specifically designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa.
"The President has also declared a period of National Days of Mourning as of Friday, [24 June 2011] until the evening of cremation," explained the Presidency in a statement.
National flags will fly at half-mast at all flag stations countrywide and in all South African foreign missions abroad as of today until the evening of cremation.
Family spokesperson Allan Taylor said Asmal, 76, who passed away at the Constantia Medi Clinic in Cape Town on Wednesday following a heart attack will be cremated at a private ceremony in Cape Town over the weekend.
In his lifetime Asmal defended human rights and has been credited for his immeasurable contribution to South Africa's liberation.
Meanwhile, Planning Commission Minister Trevor Manuel described Asmal as a lifelong scholar who sought knowledge and as a person who lived for politics.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Manuel said Asmal treasured the Constitution. "In one of the very last photographs published of him just last week, he has a dog-eared copy of the Constitution in his hand. He knew and loved the Constitution because of his intimate involvement in its genesis and negotiations."
President Zuma said Asmal would be remembered for his energy, forthrightness, efficiency and commitment.
