President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a special provincial funeral for Petrus (Piet) Meyer, who dedicated decades of his life to the public service in the Western Cape.
In his long political career, Mr Meyer served at various times as a provincial Minister in the portfolios of Public Works, Health and Sports and Culture. He has also served as Deputy Speaker in the Western Cape legislature and was a South African ambassador to Taiwan before his retirement.
He will be laid to rest at a category 2 official provincial funeral on Thursday. This category of funeral is, according to the national policy, afforded to distinguished persons designated by the President.
The declaration of the funeral as official has been made on condition that it complies with the disaster regulations relating to the number of people attending.
President Ramaphosa has declared that flags in the province also be flown at half-mast on this day.
Mr Meyer was also the father of Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, and we extend our deepest condolences to him and his family at this time.