Ramaphosa declares Special Official Funeral Gategory One for Shope

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that Gertrude Shope will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category One on Saturday.

“Ma Shope”, as she was affectionately known, passed away on Thursday last week at the age of 99.

The Presidency says in a statement that Ramaphosa has reiterated his deep condolences to her family and friends and the party she served for decades, the ANC.

Her daughter Lyndal Shope says they are planning to bury her this Saturday at the West Park Cemetery.

“We have requested that the funeral be on Saturday. I am sure that is going to be confirmed at West Park Cemetery that was our request, and the ANCWL is also finalizing their memorial service.

As part of her legacy is basic respect, honouring our institutions of Parliament, how we behave and how we talk and how we conduct ourselves.”