PAC take over Sobukwe state funeral

A last-minute decision by the Sobukwe family to allow members of the PAC to have their way at the state funeral of the late Zondeni Sobukwe, averted further chaos.

The funeral of the widow of PAC founder Robert Sobukwe descended into chaos on Saturday when party members demanded that the state make changes to the proceedings to include current PAC leaders.

The 50,000-seater marque erected at the Graaff-Reinet Botanical Gardens where the funeral was underway, saw about four impromptu meetings between the PAC, the family and government.

Speaking to the Daily Dispatch at the event, deputy president of the PAC, Teenage Nyontso said his party believed government had deliberately excluded the PAC from the event and used the excuse of consulting with the family.

He slammed the “arrogance” of the ANC of not understanding that “MaSobukwe” not only belonged to the Sobukwe family but to the country and PAC.

“The lie they are peddling is that this is a state funeral and therefore they cannot change certain elements is what has caused this chaos.

“There is no way you can tell PAC members who have travelled from as far as Johannesburg that they will not see a PAC flag, sing a national anthem with Die Stem, listen to a fourhour programme led by an ANC minister,” he said.

From the podium, defence minister Nosiviwe Nqakula Nqakula reminded PAC supporter that it was a state funeral but the agitated crowd told her to get off the stage.

Deputy President David Mabuza, who was meant to deliver the eulogy, was the first to be whisked away.

He was followed by public works minister Thulas Nxesi, provincial acting premier Bulelwa Thunyiswa, former first lady Zanele Mbeki, ANC provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukayithobi and Sanco provincial secretary Tony Duba.

There is no way you can tell PAC members they will not see a PAC flag