Pretoria – State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele says all systems are in place to ensure the Memorial Service of former President Nelson Mandela proceeds smoothly.
Speaking to SAnews, Cwele said: “We are ready… we have put everything in place… We are ready to receive the world.”
Over 80 000 mourners, including at least 91 Heads of State from all over the world, will fill FNB Stadium at Nasrec, Johannesburg, to capacity. Already, thousands of people have braved the rainy weather to get to the venue early in order to secure their seats.
Once the stadium is full, people will be redirected to Ellis Park, Dobsonville and Orlando Stadia, where the memorial will be screened. The service will be screened all over the country at public viewing venues.
The formal service is expected to start at 11am with the singing of the South African National Anthem.
Speakers at the memorial include US President Barack Obama, African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, Chinese Vice-President Li Yuanchao, Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Cuban President Raúl Castro Ruz.
Cwele encouraged South Africans who cannot get to the venues to watch the live broadcast of the memorial.
Madiba, who passed away on 5 December, will be laid to rest at his home village of Qunu on Sunday, 15 December.
Stringent security measures will be adhered to at the stadium, and no public transport will be allowed into the stadium precinct.
Several roads will remain closed to normal traffic for the duration of the service. – SAnews.gov.za
