Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi said in interview with Newzroom Afrika that he did not succeed in getting AKA a provincial funeral.
“Even though we did not succeed on that front we will continue in making a hero…,” he told Newzroom Afrika.
According to the office of Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi, he had visited the family of the late rapper to inform them of the final decision regarding the provincial funeral which they planed on giving to the late rapper.
He said the province wanted to honour the rapper by draping his coffin with the South African flag and flying the flag at half-mast.
“We felt that a person of this international stature… there must be some form of honour and we want to clarify that it was not a financial contribution, but it was an honour of draping the coffin, ensuring the flag flies at half-mast and ensuring that it [is] a befitting funeral,” he said while speaking to Newzroom Afrika outside of AKA’s home.
Panyaza, continued by saying that AKA would be buried in a secluded venue with “leaders, heroes and heroines of our society.”
“We will also provide security support for the family and ensure that the family feel our support and our comfort.”
JUST IN: AKA will not be getting a state-assisted funeral.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says they didn’t succeed in getting the President to declare a Provincial Official Funeral for slain rapper #AKA but will continue supporting the family. @Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/6vurK7KAbJ
— Linda Mnisi (@LindA_MniSii) February 16, 2023
The premier received backlash from Twitter users after making his request.
Here are what tweeps had to say:
In conclusion, Mampintsha didn’t deserve a state funeral and AKA certainly DO NOT DESERVE a state funeral. We can’t give rappers state funerals because they are your faves?? that is not what state funerals are for
— Sanda Radebe (@Simply_Sanda20) February 16, 2023
Actually they dont deserve this funds…they don’t need them. We love and respect them kodwa tlatsang zaka yeo re kwale Loadshedding. Small businesses r dead and they continue dying.!! we go fight for rich families to get funds ? Really now? Yhoo pic.twitter.com/HKFB03Vxr4
— Big-love (@Biglove57733997) February 16, 2023
How exactly is Panyaza supporting the family?? Is there tenders involved??
— ??El ?? (@El123V) February 17, 2023
AKA was killed on Friday night outside Wish restaurant on Florida Road in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal along with his friend, Tebello Motsoane, an entrepreneur and celebrity chef, was also killed in the shooting.
The rapper’s family announced earlier this week that the star would be buried in a private funeral on Saturday. A public memorial service will be held on Friday.
Also see: Reason why AKA revealed his last location before he died
