Joseph Shabala to receive state funeral

Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder Joseph Shabala will receive a state funeral and honours, South Africa’s president has declared. 

President Cyril Rampahosa declared the country would hold a “special official funeral category two” - an honour usually accorded to the spouses of serving presidents, deputy presidents and other high-ranking officials. 

The announcement means that national flags will be flown at half-mast until 22nd February and South African police will provide a guard of honour at the funeral itself. 

In January, President Ramaphosa also declared an official funeral category two for business leader Dr Richard Maponya.

Josepha Shabala died earlier this month at the age of 78.

He rose to fame as the founder and director of choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, which won five Grammy awards. The group became known internationally after singing with Paul Simon on his 1986 album Graceland.  

Photo: Soul Bounce