Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says he will write to President Cyril Ramaphosa to request a special provincial funeral for Shaleen Surtie-Richards.
The renowned actress died in Cape Town on Monday, June 7 at the age of 66.
She was in the city to film scenes for the popular KyNET telenovela, Arendsvlei.
In a statement, Winde said his office had consulted with Surtie-Richards’ family and they supported the request.
According to the policy for state funerals, Category 2 Special Provincial Funerals may be held for “distinguished persons specifically designated by the President of South Africa on request by the Premier of a province”.
“The nation has a lost a giant who will be remembered for her immense talent and contributions to our creative industry. I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time and look forward to a positive response to our request from President Ramaphosa.
I will be writing to President Cyril Ramaphosa to request a special provincial funeral for Shaleen Surtie-Richards. My office consulted with Shaleen’s family today and they supported this request. Read my full statement here: https://t.co/uXCjhA6Toz pic.twitter.com/gYGYPXbs4Q
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) June 8, 2021
“Should the President assent to the request, support will be made available for the funeral service which will take place in Cape Town on Sunday, 13 June 2021,” Winde said.
Surtie-Richards, who was born in Upington and raised in Cape Town, was a champion of the arts. During her career, she won more than 40 awards and acted in numerous movies and festivals in South Africa and London.
The legendary actress will be remembered for her starring role in Egoli: Place of Gold as Ester (Nenna) Willemse. She also received acclaim for her role as Fiela Komotie in the movie Fiela Se kind.
Surtie-Richards also brought her versatility to the stage, and she performed in various plays, including Hallo en Koebaai and Shirley Valentine for which she won Fleur du Cap awards in 1985 and 2009 respectively.
Picture: Twitter/@NC_FilmWeek