THE late KZN Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Bheki Ntuli (63) will be buried on Thursday, 21 January.
The provincial funeral category one will take place at his home in Empangeni, KZN.
Premier Sihle Zikalala welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to give Ntuli a provincial funeral.
“We are humbled by this gesture to honour this distinguished citizen of our province with such a fitting farewell. He deserves recognition for the sterling role he played in advancing the lives of the people of KZN,” said the premier.
Zikalala said Ntuli was a humble servant who left a mark.
“While the pain of the loss is still hard to bear, his legacy will never be erased from our hearts and minds.
“We will strive daily to end poverty and bring hope and dignity to our people.”
He expressed his gratitude for the messages of support from across society and outside South Africa.
“MEC Ntuli will be laid to rest at his home in Empangeni. A prayer service will take place at Esikhaleni Community Hall. Proceedings will commence from 9am,” Zikalala said.
He added that the service would be streamed live on KZN provincial government platforms.
“The funeral will follow level 3 adjusted regulations and Covid-19 protocols. A flag will fly at half mast as directed by the president in line with the policy governing provincial funerals.”
Ntuli died at a Durban hospital on Saturday, 16 January from complications related to Covid-19.
