Liberation struggle veteran and former Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) President, Dr Ernest “Motsoko” Pheko will be honoured with a Special Provincial Official Funeral.
Dr Pheko passed away on 19 April at the age of 93.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has designated the funeral of Dr Motsoko Pheko as a Special Provincial Official Funeral. The designation of the funeral follows a request from Premier Panyaza Lesufi to the President,” said the Gauteng provincial government in a statement on Friday.
The provincial government said that Pheko had dedicated his life to fighting for a liberated South Africa.
“We will remember this son of the soil as a true Pan African to the end of his life. His teachings through his writings will continue to inspire us to move forward in improving the lives of all South Africans,” said Premier Lesufi.
Following the dawn of democracy Pheko served as a Member of Parliament for ten years and served in different portfolio committees, including Foreign Affairs and Safety and Security. He also served as the PAC representative to the United Nations.
Dr Pheko was a renowned lawyer, author of 45 books, theologian, academic and historian.
“He documented his political party history very well including what happened at Robben Island during the Apartheid regime,” said the provincial government adding that the Pheko family will communicate all memorial and funeral details.
President Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of liberation struggle veteran. -SAnews.gov.za
