The appointment has been made in view of the President’s visit today to Lusaka, Zambia, to attend the State Funeral Service for the late President Kenneth Kaunda. Deputy President David Mabuza is currently on leave in the Russian Federation. Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver a message of support to the Zambian people on behalf of the government and people of South Africa. Ramaphosa will be supported by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Dr Naledi Pandor, and Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe.

Acting spokesperson for the president Tyrone Seale said Deputy President David Mabuza is currently receiving medical treatment in the Russian Federation, he will be back in the country on a date to be determined by his medical doctors. Mabuza left the country last Saturday and it was not the first time he has travelled to Russia for medical treatment. Kaunda was described as a man of peace and integrity. He has also been remembered for his role in the liberation of countries in Southern Africa.

The funeral will be held in Lusaka's main showground and will be attended by high-profile individuals that include government representatives, former and current heads of State. Zambia had declared 21 days of mourning for the liberation hero, who led it from 1964, after the southern African nation gained independence from Britain, until 1991. Kaunda's remains were in a closed casket and were transported to the country's 10 provinces to enable them to pay respect.