Pretoria – The body of late former President Nelson Mandela has returned to 1 Military Hospital, concluding the lying in state phase of the 10-day mourning period.
President Jacob Zuma announced a ten-day mourning period when he made a live broadcast to the nation last week Thursday announcing the passing away of the Father of the Nation, who died peacefully at his home in Houghton.
Madiba’s mortal remains were placed under a specially erected structure in the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre in the Union Buildings for three days, where members of the public and dignitaries were able to view his body through an open casket.
Madiba’s body was guarded by military personnel and his eldest grandson Mandla Mandela the entire time.
This was to be the public’s final opportunity to pay their last respects to the struggle icon.
Government has estimated that 100 000 people filed passed the casket during this period.
However, thousands of people were unable to view the body as the three park-and-ride facilities in the city were filled to capacity by 11am today.
Government has urged South Africans to find other ways of saying good bye to Madiba.
Madiba’s body left the Union Buildings in a special cortege, led by Metro Police and military officials, at 5.30pm. It is the family’s request that the body not travel after dark.
Madiba’s body will be transported to the Waterkloof Air Force Base tomorrow morning, were the African National Congress will hold a special ceremony.
The body is expected to leave for Mthatha Airport at 10:45am.
Madiba will be afforded a state funeral at the family farm in Qunu. – SAnews.gov.za
