Unfortunately, Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes will not receive a state funeral after Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s request was denied by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The request came on Wednesday, when the provincial premier wrote to the president asking for the state funeral as they believed the late rapper had made an immense contribution to society.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi had confirmed that his office had not succeeded in getting permission from the Presidency to give Kiernan “AKA” Forbes a state funeral.
Lesufi has denied that the request was for a financial contribution. 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.
Speaking to news publications earlier on Thursday, Gauteng Premier’s spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga said their decision to request a state funeral wasn’t about money, but rather honouring AKA’s contribution to the country. There was some criticism of the provincial government’s request.
AKA’s family announced that the star would be buried in a private provincial funeral on Saturday. A public memorial service will be held on Friday.
Written By Charlee Hustle
