Hundreds of people have gathered to pay their respects to the former public works minister Stella Sigcau at the Qawukeni Great Place in the Transkei on Tuesday morning. South African President Thabo Mbeki is to deliver the eulogy. Sigcau’s body has been lying in state at her home ahead of the official funeral.
Hundreds of dignitaries and mourners from around the country have flocked to Port St Johns and the areas surrounding the Great Place for the funeral.
Tributes have been pouring in since Sigcau’s death in a Durban hospital last week.
Cabinet ministers, politicians, traditional leaders, and members of the Eastern Cape legislature were among those who had gathered to remember the late princess.
Sigcau will be laid to rest at her place of birth. The rural village of Qawukeni has been abuzz with activity and there is a heavy security presence to ensure that Tuesday’s proceedings go off without a hitch.
A huge tent to accommodate the over 10 000 expected mourners has been erected and caterers have been engaged. – Sapa