President Ramaphosa says no to official provincial funeral request for slain rapper AKA

New Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa and requested permission to give slain rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes a state funeral. On Thursday, Lesufi revealed his request was denied.

Lesufi told reporters that his letter to the presidency did not ask for permission to use state funds for AKA’s funeral. Instead, the Gauteng provincial government wanted to honour the late musician by draping his coffin with the nation’s flag and flying flags in the province at half-mast.

We felt that the person of his international stature, person of his national structure, there must be some form of honour, and we want to clarify it is not a financial contribution…” said Lesufi. “Even though we didn’t succeed on that front, we will continue in making a hero safe.

JUST IN: AKA will not be getting a state-assisted funeral.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says they didn't succeed in getting the President to declare a Provincial Official Funeral for slain rapper #AKA but will continue supporting the family. @Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/6vurK7KAbJ

— Linda Mnisi (@LindA_MniSii) February 16, 2023

AKA and his friend Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane were gunned down outside a restaurant on Florida Road, Durban, on Friday night. The funeral will be held on 18 February.