Pretoria - Motorists are advised to avoid several streets in Pretoria due to the memorial and funeral services of former Health Minister Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.
The City of Tshwane said the Jacob Mare and Paul Kruger as well as Paul Kruger and Skinner intersections would be closed from 6am today until the end of the memorial service. Metro Police officers will assist in regulating traffic flow. The service will be held at the Pretoria City Hall from 3pm.
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe is expected to address the memorial service hosted by the Department of Health and the Presidency.
The Presidency confirmed on Friday that Tshabalala-Msimang would be honoured with a special official funeral service. As a symbol of respect, the national flag will fly at half-mast nationally until her funeral tomorrow at the Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Pretoria.
On Tuesday the Jacob Mare and Paul Kruger, and Skinner and Paul Kruger intersections will be closed from 6am. Just before the service begins at 10 am at the Cathedral on the corner of Bosman and Skinner streets, Bosman and Visagie and Visagie and Andries intersections will be closed. They will remain closed until the service is over.
"Motorists are therefore advised to avoid the area around the City Hall on Monday, and that around the Cathedral on Tuesday. They should use alternative streets for both the north and south traffic, and the east and west traffic," said Communication Services Executive Director Console Tleane.
Meanwhile, the Msimang family has decided to move the cremation of the former minister to the Benoni crematorium, following the unresolved issues related to the voluntary closure of the crematorium in Pretoria West, Rebecca Street by the City of Tshwane.
