Special funeral declared for Amampondo queen

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a special provincial official funeral for the Queen Mother of Amampondo aseNyandeni.

Queen Fikelephi “Bongolethu” Ndamase died last Thursday and the Presidency said Ramaphosa had expressed his deepest condolences to the royal family.

“The special provincial official funeral is reserved for distinguished persons as decided by the President of the Republic, after considering a request from the province of origin,” the Presidency said.

Ramaphosa ordered that the national flag be flown at half-mast at every flag station in the Eastern Cape on Saturday, the day of the funeral.

“Further details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated by the Eastern Cape provincial government,” the statement added.

Ramaphosa had last week sent condolences to the Amampondo royal family and community.

The Queen Mother was the mother of the reigning King Ndamase Ndamase of Amampondo aseNyandeni.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Amampondo traditional community as they mourn the passing of their Queen Mother,” Ramaphosa said.

The Queen leaves behind two sons, His Majesty King Ndamase, and Prince Bonga Ndamase.

The EFF described the Queen as “a pillar of strength” and mother to many.

The party “extends it heartfelt condolences to the royal family for the loss of our mother and leader”. – African News Agency (ANA)