Wellington - New Zealand Prime Minister John Key will leave for South Africa today to attend the official memorial service for former President Nelson Mandela.
Key said on Monday that many New Zealanders felt an emotional connection to Mandela and the country's sympathies were with South Africa at this difficult time.
The New Zealand Prime Minister will lead a small delegation, including leader of the Opposition David Cunliffe, former Foreign Mnister and Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon and former Prime Minister Jim Bolger.
Mandela's official memorial service will be held in Johannesburg on Tuesday and many leaders, including US President Barack Obama, are expected to attend.
China’s Vice President Li Yuanchao will also attend the funeral as a special representative of President Xi Jinping. – SAnews.gov.za-Xinhua
