The Presidency wishes to correct a wrong impression that has been created in the public domain that President Jacob Zuma cancelled the memorial service that he had declared for stalwart Mr Ahmed Kathrada.

1. 1 April 2017
The Presidency wishes to correct a wrong impression that has been created in the public
domain that President Jacob Zuma cancelled the memorial service that he had declared for
stalwart Mr Ahmed Kathrada.
This is not true.
President Zuma declared a Special Official Funeral for the late stalwart and directed
government to organise an official memorial service to be addressed by Deputy President
Cyril Ramaphosa on behalf of government.
As is publicly known, the President did not attend the funeral and was not going to attend the
memorial service either, respecting the wishes of the family. President Zuma was not
involved in the planning of the memorial service and in the cancellation thereof.
Any impression created that the President cancelled or ordered the cancellation is erroneous
and unfortunate.
Enquirers: Dr Bongani Ngqulunga on 082 308 9373 or bongani@presidency.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria