Pretoria – As the third and final day of the public viewing drew to a close on Friday, government confirmed that about 100 000 people paid homage to former President Nelson Mandela, whose body has been lying in state at thhe Union Buildings, in Pretoria, since Wednesday.
“The third day closed with over 50 000 paying their respects to our national icon and first democratically elected President of our country,” said Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting CEO, Phumla Williams.
Since the start of the lying in state on Wednesday, the response has been overwhelming, with 12 000-14 000 people paying homage to Madiba on day one, and with two people passing every three seconds on day two.
At 7:30am this morning, there were thousands of people at the various park and ride facilities - 10 000 at the Fountains Valley Circle; 25 000 at the Pretoria Showgrounds; 7 000 at the LC de Villiers Sports Centre and 8 000 at the Union Buildings. However, not all had a chance to view the body of the late Mandela.
Government has reiterated its appreciation to all the people of South Africa for taking time off from their daily schedules to travel to the Union Buildings to bid President Mandela farewell.
“The expression of love and support has brought immense comfort to the family and loved ones of tata Madiba,” Williams said.
The remains of President Mandela will be transported to the Eastern Cape on Saturday, 14 December 2013, ahead of him being laid to rest in Qunu on Sunday, 15 December 2013. – SAnews.gov.za
