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Mashabane, son funerals

Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

Former South African ambassador to Indonesia and member of the Limpopo legislature Norman Mashabane will be buried in Phalaborwa on Saturday.

Mashabane's son Masetle will be buried in Polokwane on Friday. Father and son died in a car accident last week.

Family spokesman Clayson Monyela said the men would be buried separately to honour the Nkoana's tradition, which holds that Masetle be buried with his maternal family. A joint memorial service will be held at the Westernburg Hall outside Polokwane on Thursday.

President Thabo Mbeki and dignitaries from as far as India, Malaysia and Indonesia are expected to attend Mashabane's funeral. National and provincial politicians and officials from other political organisations are also expected to attend, said Monyela.

Mashabane was born on June 26 1956 in Phalaborwa.

The ANC in Limpopo said: "Mashabane was a revolutionary anchor, a gallant fighter, a fearless commander, a youth activist and a tireless worker.

"He was born in struggle and baptised with revolutionary fire. The ANC will remember him as a hard worker, good organiser, revolutionary and selfless fighter for democracy and development for all the people of Limpopo and beyond.

"There is no grave big enough to swallow this giant," the ANC said.

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