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Cape Town – South African President Jacob Zuma has declared a Special Provincial Official Funeral for late musician and composer, Ray Phiri, who died last week.
Zuma communicated the declaration in an official press statement released on Tuesday. The announcement can be viewed here.
On Wednesday, 12 July - after the news of Phiri’s death hit South Africa - Zuma joined those mourning the great musician of condolences and said: “He was a musical giant. This is indeed a huge loss for South Africa and the music industry as a whole. We are with his family in thoughts and prayers during this trying period. May his soul rest in peace,”.
On Thursday 13 July, family spokesperson Paul Nkanyane told The Juice details about Phiri’s memorial and funeral services, saying: “The memorial service will be this coming Thursday the 20th and then the funeral will be on the following Saturday. Both will be at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The time is yet to be confirmed.”
The Juice has since learned from The Department of The Premier that the memorial service will start at 10:00 on Thursday and the funeral will start at 08:00 on Saturday.
Read the president’s full statement regarding Ray Phiri's Special Provincial Official Funeral here:
“President Jacob Zuma has declared a Special Provincial Official Funeral for the late musician and legendary composer, Mr Ray Phiri, who passed on 12 July 2017.
This category of a funeral is designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa for distinguished persons.
The President has instructed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast in Mpumalanga Province on Saturday 22 July 2017, the day of his funeral.
Mr Ray "Chikapa" Enock Phiri was an internationally-acclaimed music legend who contributed immensely to the advancement of creative arts in South Africa. Mr Phiri was also honoured with the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver for his sterling contribution to the South African music industry and the successful use of arts as an instrument of social transformation.
President Zuma has once again extended his deepest condolences to the Phiri family, relatives, friends and music industry on this sad loss.”
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