Ntsiepe Masoetsa

BLOEMFONTEIN - The late former Free State premier Winkie Direko’s funeral has been declared an official one (category 2). The state will pay for the funeral costs. Direko died on Friday last week of a stroke at the age of 82. The country’s flags will fly at half-mast on Saturday, the day of the funeral. Free State government spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said the declaration meant that “the provincial government will set up a funeral committee - an aide has to be provided to assist the family of the deceased with their daily needs - the police will provide ceremonial services on the day of the funeral”.
Mvambi also announced that a memorial service will be held at Seisa Ramabodu stadium’s Indoor Sports centre tomorrow at 2 pm. On Friday evening another prayer service has been organized at home. Direko had an illustrious career as a teacher, a community activist and a politician. She served as a member of National Council of Provinces (NCOP) from 1994 to 1999. She later became Free State premier, serving her full term between 1999 and 2004. She then served as a member of the National Assembly from 2004 until 2009.
Condolences and tributes have been pouring since her death last week. Premier Ace Magashule described her death as sad adding that she was an inspiration to all.
Direko also served as Chancellor of the University of Free State. Paying tribute to her the university’s rector Jonathan Jansen described her as “a selfless person who always genuinely put everybody else’s interests before hers”. Jansen said Direko believed that education was the way out of poverty. “She was perhaps one of the last of old core of teachers in the league of the Khambules and others”, said Jansen.

Former Free State Premier Winkie Direko. Picture by Sabrina Dean