Sobukwe funeral disrupted by 'hooligans'

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The 91-year-old widow of late PAC founder Robert Sobukwe, who died at her home in Graaff-Reinet on 15 August after a long illness, was laid to rest on Saturday.

The funeral, held at the Botanics Sports Grounds in Graaff-Reinet, was attended by hundreds of people who streamed into town to bid farewell to liberation icon, Zondeni Veronica Sobukwe, who was considered a heroin by many.

The crowds came from as far as Johannesburg.

Sobukwe's funeral, however, turned into a political feud when a group of people, wearing Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) party t-shirts, protested against the SA government's official involvement in the funeral proceedings.

Shortly after Sobukwe's death, president Cyril Ramaphosa declared that she be accorded a special official category two funeral, an honour reserved for distinguished persons specifically designated by the president of South Africa on request by the Premier of a province.

The funeral proceedings commenced with a church service at the Methodist Church in Umasizakhe where Sobukwe was an avid worshipper and member of the congregation.

The commotions, however, started when rebellious PAC supporters tried to disrupt the churchgoers' tribute to Sobukwe.

Elderly women of the congregation who participated as pallbearers in carrying the casket out of the church were nearly accosted by rebellious PAC supporters.

The official funeral then followed in a marquee on the grounds at the Botanics.

Here, Deputy President David Mabuza was meant to deliver the eulogy but was disrupted by PAC supporters. Mabuza was whisked away by security officials when the protestors showed more force.

Government Communications (GCIS) confirmed it was a safety risk for the deputy president.

The PAC supporters were also unhappy about the South African flag being draped on Sobukwe's casket and demanded it be removed and replaced by the PAC flag.

They were also not happy with Defense Minister Nosivie Mapisa-Nqakula being the funeral's MC.

She too had to eventually leave.

"The handing over of the flag and ceremonial guard of honour withdrawal, which signals the end of the official funeral, had to be conducted at the marquee at the Botanics Sports Grounds. This is normally done at the gravesite but unfortunately, a decision had to be made, after consulting with the family, to dispense with the ceremonial aspects of the funeral at the marquee. This then signalled the end of Sobukwe's official funeral," GCIS said in a statement.

GCIS further stated that the decision was taken to ensure that certain disruptive elements that were hell-bent on desecrating the dignity of Sobukwe did not succeed.

"As the government, we are saddened by the behaviour of certain elements who disrespected the decorum of a funeral."

Shortly after these disruptions, the funeral was reclassified as no longer a special official category two funeral, with the service continuing with Sobukwe's grandchild, Otua Sobukwe-Whyte, delivering the obituary and the PAC running the programme.

Sobukwe's remains were later buried next to her husband, Robert Sobukwe, whose grave is a national heritage site.

PAC apologises
In the days following the funeral, members of the public and politicians condemned the disruptions.

The Pan African Congress (PAC) apologised to Sobukwe's family earlier this week after her funeral proceedings were disrupted by what they described as 'hooligans'.

In a statement, the PAC condemned the 'despicable' behaviour that turned a moment of quiet reflection into "an unseemly squabble at the hands of a group of hooligans bussed in with the express purpose of disrupting the funeral".

"Their behaviour was despicable and violated African norms and traditions. We condemn this outrageous insult to the Mother of Azania by these people who were clearly sent in to cause trouble and sow confusion among PAC members. They have brought shame upon themselves and the nation, and they have sullied the memory of Mama Sobukwe as she was being laid to rest," PAC President Narius Moloto said.

Moloto, who was prevented from entering the church where the funeral was being held, said the group are not members of the party, and that their leaders have been expelled for a variety of offences.

Members of the SA Police Service carrying Sobukwe's casket.

Members of the PAC carrying Sobukwe's casket to the grave. She was buried next to her husband, Robert Sobukwe, whose grave is a national heritage site.