Pretoria – Government has been working non stop, around the clock, to ensure the most befitting national Memorial Service and State Funeral for former President Nelson Mandela.
Harold Maloka, Deputy CEO: Content Processing and Dissemination at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) told eNCA, although it has been an enormous task for government, all stops have been pulled and it was all systems go to ensure the best send off for the elder statesman, whom the world has revered.
He said at FNB Stadium alone today, different sectors of government has to manage the convoys of the Heads of State and Government and other dignitaries, the large media contingent as well as the thousands of people who would be gathering at the event to honour Madiba.
Maloka was confident government had put measures in place to ensure a smooth event, saying that South Africa had hosted major international events before.
Government was working with security teams from the Heads of State to ensure security was tight and protocol was observed.
“The South African public must have confidence in Government. We will make them proud.”
Maloka said public transport had been arranged for people to get to FNB Stadium – including buses, trains and a park and ride system.
“We have the police, Metro Police, marshals and government officials all over to ensure we facilitate the movement of people. As you can see, the crowds are trickling in, peacefully marching and singing, honouring this icon.”
He said there was a team monitoring the influx of people and once the stadium was full, the crowd will be diverted to overflow areas.
There were also public viewing areas across the provinces where people could gather to watch broadcasts of the memorial.
He said that after President Jacob Zuma declared Sunday as a National Day of Prayer and Reflection, there had been an overwhelming response from South Africans and the international community.
The formal programme is expected to begin at 11am, with the National Anthem. Various dignitaries, including US President Barack Obama will pay tribute to the man the entire world came to love. SAnews.gov.za
