The funeral of former health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang will be held in Pretoria on Tuesday, government spokesperson for the funeral arrangements, Charles Nqakula said.

Nqakula said she would be given a special official funeral at the Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

In line with Tshabalala-Msimang's wishes, her body would then be cremated at a private ceremony at the Pretoria West crematorium.

Nqakula said President Jacob Zuma had been in contact with the family and would be reading the oration at the funeral.

"The president has also asked that flags, nationally only, will be flown at half mast," Nqakula told a media conference at the Tshabalala-Msimang's home in Pretoria on Friday.

A private night vigil would take place at the family home on Monday, starting at 7pm, and the cortege would be dressed in the flag of the African National Congress.

An official memorial service would also take place on Monday at the Pretoria City Hall where the congregation would be addressed by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.