A committee of Government, Church and family representatives has announced the following arrangements for the funeral service of the Rev Dr Beyers Naudé:

Dr Beyers Naudé was a courageous servant of the people of this land. He was a popular figure much loved by many. We wish to ensure that all who knew him, knew of him, or want to simply honour his memory will be able to do so in some way during the coming days.

In line with the request of Dr Beyers Naudé himself his funeral service, to be held at 13h00 on Saturday, 18 September 2004, will be at the Aasvoelkop NGK Church, Northcliff, Johannesburg. In accordance with a Government decision, the occasion is regarded as a Special Official Funeral and will contain symbols of State recognition.

The preacher at the funeral service will be the Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu, and the service conducted by the General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches, the Rev Dr Molefe Tsele, assisted by the Rev Andre Bartlett as well as representatives of a number of Churches and of other faiths.

Dr Naudé's popularity as well as his national and international standing means that many government, faith group, civic society and international organisations will wish to be present. Despite limited space, attempts are being made to ensure as wide a representation as possible through the use of representative delegations.

Any individual, group or organisation that has not yet made contact and feels it needs to be represented at the funeral service should make contact with the SACC by email or fax (011 492 1448) as soon as possible. Limited space and security requirements will mean that no person without prior approval and recognition will be allowed to enter the Church premises.

Members of the public will be able to show their respect for Dr Beyers Naudé by observing the cortege as it passes along Beyers Naudé Drive between noon and 13h00 from the junction with Pendoring Road to the junction with Hocky Avenue.

Books of Remembrance are open at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Tuynhuis in Cape Town and at Khotso House in Johannesburg. Messages of condolence and tribute can also be sent to the SACC by email or fax 011 492 1448.

Members of the public are also urged to attend the Provincial Memorial Services arranged by the Provincial Offices of the South African Council of Churches and Provincial Administrations.

This Sunday, September 12th, services will be held at:

• Soweto, Regina Mundi Church at 14h00
• Western Cape, Cape Town, Die Groote Kerk at 15h00
• KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritsburg, Voortrekker NGK at 14h00

On Monday, September 13th, a Memorial Service will be held in the University Chapel, Mafikeng, North West Province, at 14h00 and also at the UCCSA Church in Mangaung in the Free State Province at 15h00.

There is to be a Memorial Service in Polokwane, Limpopo Province at 13h00 on Wednesday, September 15th, followed by similar events in NGK Churches in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga Province at 14h00 and King William's Town, Eastern Cape Province at 15h00 on Thursday, September 16th.

Further details including the position of access points, possible road closures and any other necessary arrangements, including venues and times for further Provincial Memorial Services or events will be made known within the next days.

For more information, contact: Dr Molefe Tsele 082 458 2037 or Dr Carl Niehaus 082 459 5026