Flags at Half-mast for Shabalala… Ramaphosa Declares

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a period of national mourning for Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder Joseph Shabalala.

The 78 year old died on Tuesday last week at a Pretoria hospital.

The music icon succumbed to complications from a 2012 back surgery.

The president, a huge fan of the singer, was one of those who mourned him. He has now declared an official category 2 funeral in honour of the legend.

A category 2 funeral includes ceremonial events provided by the South African Police Service. Until he is laid to rest on February 22, the national flag will fly at half-mast, with regulations demanding that no other flag is raised during this period.

“President Ramaphosa has ordered that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at every flag station in the country until the evening of 22 February 2020. Regulations require that no other flags should be displayed when the National Flag is flown at half-mast,” the statement from the presidency read in part.

“President Ramaphosa has reiterated his sincerest condolences to the Shabalala family, members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo and members of the arts and culture fraternities in South Africa and globally with whom Ladysmith Black Mambazo has collaborated for the better part of six decades.”

Read: This is What Killed Ladysmith Black Mambazo Founder Joseph Shabalala

Last year, Rampahosa paid a visit to the ailing singer in hospital. Here’s that clip.