However, the recent news of Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's request for a state funeral for rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes has sparked controversy and criticism. The Presidency rejected the request, which raised questions about the criteria for granting state funerals and the role of the state in commemorating public figures.

The reason for Lesufi's request was to honour AKA by draping his coffin with the South African flag and to fly the flag at half-mast. This is a common practice for state funerals, which are funded by the state and are meant to be a symbol of national mourning. 

However, the Presidency denied the request, saying that state funerals are reserved for heads of state, former heads of state, and other distinguished persons as determined by the President.

This raises the question of who is considered a "distinguished person" in South Africa and who gets to decide. 

Is it only politicians and public figures who are in good standing with the government, or is it also those who have made a significant contribution to society, regardless of their relationship with the state?

AKA was one of South Africa's most popular rappers, with a massive following and a successful career spanning over a decade. He was known for his outspoken views on social and political issues, which often put him at odds with the government. His death was a shock to many of his fans, who mourned his loss and paid tribute to his legacy.

The fact that the Presidency denied his state funeral request has been interpreted by some as a sign of disrespect and a reflection of the government's relationship with AKA. Some have even accused the government of withholding the honour as a way of punishing him for his views, or for his involvement in controversies in the past.

The government's response to these allegations has been mixed. While some officials have denied any political motivation, others have been more evasive, saying that AKA was not a distinguished person and that state funerals should not be used for "political grandstanding". This has only fuelled the controversy, with many questioning the government's role in deciding who gets to be commemorated in this way.

Another issue that has emerged from this controversy is the cost of state funerals and their impact on the public purse. While state funerals are meant to be a symbol of national mourning, they come at a cost, which is borne by the state and ultimately the taxpayers. 

Some have argued that in times of economic hardship, the state should be more careful in its spending and should prioritise the needs of the people over the needs of the elite.

This raises the question of whether state funerals are a necessary expenditure, or whether there are more effective ways of honouring public figures without putting a strain on the public purse. 

Some have suggested that the state could provide a smaller and more affordable tribute, such as a plaque or a memorial, or that the responsibility for commemorating public figures should be left to their fans and the private sector.

There is no easy answer to these questions, and the debate over state funerals is likely to continue. What is clear is that the issue is not only about AKA and his legacy, but also about the role of the state in commemorating public figures and the criteria for determining who deserves this honour. It is also about the cost of these funerals and the impact they have on the public purse.

In the past decade, South Africa has seen several prominent figures given state funerals. One of the most notable was former President Nelson Mandela, who passed away in 2013. 

Mandela was widely regarded as the father of the nation and played a crucial role in ending apartheid in South Africa. His state funeral was attended by world leaders and dignitaries, and was a massive event that reflected his immense impact on the country and the world.

Another notable figure who was given a state funeral was Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, a prominent anti-apartheid activist and politician. Madikizela-Mandela was the ex-wife of Nelson Mandela and played a key role in the anti-apartheid struggle, particularly during his imprisonment. Her state funeral was also a major event, attended by thousands of people who came to pay their respects.

More recently, in 2020, South Africa also gave a state funeral to Andrew Mlangeni, a former anti-apartheid activist and member of the African National Congress (ANC). Mlangeni was one of the Rivonia Trialists, a group of activists who were arrested and tried for their role in the struggle against apartheid. 

His state funeral was attended by high-profile figures from the government and the ANC, as well as members of the public who wanted to pay their respects.

These state funerals, as well as others that have been held in the past decade, reflect the significant impact that these figures had on South Africa and the world. They also demonstrate the country's commitment to honouring those who have contributed to its development and progress. 

However, they have also raised questions about the criteria for granting state funerals and whether they should be reserved for political figures, or if they should also be granted to those who have made a significant contribution to society.