28 Heads of State confirm attendance at Mandela’s funeral

Nelson Mandela

Thirteen African heads of state and 15 from outside the continent have confirmed attendance to the funeral of Nelson Mandela, the late former South African president.

In a statement on Sunday, Collins Chabane, a minister in the South African government, said the country was expecting a large contingent of Heads of State and Government and a broad range of eminent persons, including royalty.

“The fact that international leaders are making their way to South Africa at such short notice, reflects the special place President Mandela holds in the hearts of people around the globe,” said Mr. Chabane, who spoke on behalf of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the State Funeral on Nelson Mandela.

“We are touched by the fact that many countries have declared periods of mourning, ordered that flags be flown at half mast and draped or lit landmarks in the colours of the South African flag. We truly appreciate these gestures,” Mr. Chabane said.

“We appreciate the willingness showed by a broad range of eminent persons to come to South Africa to join us personally at this time of mourning, reflection and celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy,” he added.

Although Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is not listed in the statement to have confirmed attendance at the funeral, his aides say he would lead a delegation of mourners from the oil-rich West African country to the burial.

Mr. Chabane however said U.S. President, Barack Obama, and his wife, Michelle, would be accompanied by three former presidents – Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.

Dilma Rousseff, the Brazilian President, would be accompanied by four former presidents – Jose Sarney; Fernando Collor de Melo; Fernando Henrique Cardoso; and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

In addition to the Heads of State, international and regional organizations from the United Nations and European Commission to the African Union have also confirmed attendance, according to Mr. Chabane.

The 10-day state funeral for the former leader of the African National Congress began on Sunday with prayers and reflections across various religious bodies.

An official memorial service will commence on Tuesday at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg and Jacob Zuma, the South African President, will address the gathering.

While Tuesday’s service will include tributes by Heads of States, representatives of international and regional organizations; the body of Mr. Mandela will not lie in state at the stadium.

Mr. Chabane said Mr. Mandela would only lie in state at the Union Buildings between Wednesday and Friday.

“Provincial and local authorities have been requested to arrange transport for mourners from various parts of the country to FNB Stadium and the overflow venues of Ellis Park Stadium, Orlando Stadium, and Dobsonville Stadium,” Mr. Chabane said.

“Big screens will be installed at the overflow venues to allow members of the public to follow proceedings at FNB Stadium in the company of compatriots.

“While these venues offer extensive seating, people must accept that at some stage this capacity will be filled and police and other authorities will turn people away.

“We call on people to co-operate and demonstrate patience and dignity if they were to be turned away,” Mr. Chabane added.

At the lying-in-state on Wednesday, the Mandela family and ‘VVIPs’ will view the body from 10 a.m.

Members of the public will file past the body from 12h00 to 17h30. Also, on Thursday and Friday, the public will have access to the casket from 8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

“Two sites in Pretoria will be used as points from which mourners will be shuttled to the Union Buildings and back. No other access will be possible. Mourners are also advised that cell phones will need to be off and out of sight as mourners file past the body,” Mr. Chabane added.