RED CARPET FOR REV. KAISER’S CASKET

The casket of the late Reverend Fakudze (Inset) placed on the lowering equipment.

MANKAYANE – A red carpet was rolled out for the casket, which carried the body of famous evangelist, Reverend Kaiser Fakudze (83), who was buried yesterday at his home at Dladleni, Mankayane.

Fakudze died on Sunday, February 14, 2016 while undergoing treatment at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital in Manzini.
A red carpet is traditionally used to mark the route taken by heads of State in ceremonial and formal occasions, and has, in recent decades, been extended to use by very important persons (VIP) and celebrities at formal events.”

The about 10-metre red carpet was rolled out by pall-bearers from Dups Funeral Undertakers, who escorted the casket to the graveyard, a stone’s throw away from the deceased pastor’s home. Relatives and pastors carried the casket from the hearse to the grave. About 10 metres before reaching the grave, the carpet was rolled out and stretched towards the grave.

At least 3 500 people attended the funeral. This is arguably the biggest attendance in recent years.
Reverend Fakudze, the deceased senior Pastor of Metropolitan Evangelical Church, was given a dignified funeral by his family, church and other denominations. He established 35 churches in Swaziland and South Africa. His main church was based in the rural area of Ekhwezi near Lubulini in the Shiselweni region.

Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Princess Tsandzile, the Minister of Home Affairs said the issue of the red carpets was not under their portfolios.
The Foreign Affairs minister said Deputy Prime Minister Paul Dlamini might probably have something to say about it. The DPM said red carpets were reserved for royalty in Swaziland.
He said they symbolised respect for the higher authorities of the country.

“That’s why we jump over the red carpet rolled out for the King or Queen Mother. You don’t just walk on that carpet,” he said.
Superintendent Khulani Mamba, the Police Information and Communications Officer, referred enquiries to government.

Last November, the red carpet issue was a topical one as it was reported that organisers of the Swaziland Inter Municipal Games Association (SIGA) gala also rolled out a red carpet, which, they removed on police instruction. The gala was held at Royal Villas in Ezulwini.

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