BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State government announced that former MEC Thembeni “Skully” Nxangisa will be accorded a Provincial Official Funeral Category 1, which will take place in Botshabelo on Sunday 2 August. This follows the approval of the application for such a funeral by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Office of Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae confirmed approval of the application, as well as details regarding the funeral arrangements. Nxangisa’s funeral will be held at the Kaizer Sebothelo Arena in Botshabelo, starting at 08:00. It has been confirmed that he passed away Thursday 23 July after a short illness.

“Given his illustrious track record of service to the people of the Free State, both in government and outside, the Free State provincial government saw it befitting to make an official request to President Ramaphosa to approve the application for a declaration of a Provincial Official Funeral Category 1 in honour of this fallen gallant,” said Letsoha-Mathae.

Nxangisa served as a member of the Free State Legislature, holding two portfolios – MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development (2019 to 2021) and MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (2021 to 2023). Former Premier Sisi Ntombela first appointed Nxangisa as the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

Paying tribute to Nxangisa, Letsoha-Mathae described his death as a great loss to his family, loved ones, and the people of the Free State.

“He served with commitment and distinction, always striving to improve the lives of the people of the Free State. Nxangisa dedicated many years of his life to public service and made a significant contribution to the development of the Free State through his work in government and the legislature. During his tenure, he played an important role in strengthening local government, supporting traditional leadership institutions, and advancing service delivery initiatives across the province,” said Letsoha-Mathae.

Following his departure from the position of MEC, Nxangisa served as the chief whip of the ANC in the Free State Legislature.