Johannesburg - FNB Stadium is ready to host one of the biggest gatherings of world leaders in history, with about 70 Heads of State and Government expected to attend former President Nelson Mandela’s Memorial Service on Tuesday.
Inside the stadium, the setting up of two stages – one to hold a podium and one dedicated for the choir – were close to being completed by lunchtime on Monday.
A mini crane was stationed in front of the stage, with just under 20 people working on the stage.
Deputy CEO: Content Processing and Dissemination at Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Harold Maloka, said the Calabash, as the stadium is also known, was almost ready to open its gates to thousands of mourners that are expected to fill up the stadium.
“It is all systems go. As of midday, the number of Heads of State that are expected to be in South Africa during this entire period is 90. Tomorrow, at least 70 Heads of State and Government are expected to be at the Memorial Service.”
Police and other security personnel will be at the stadium to usher people into the stadium and to familiarise them with stadium facilities such as bathrooms.
Local and foreign journalists were already setting up their cameras in a dedicated media section that was also used by the media during the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Maloka said about 2 000 journalists had been accredited by Monday.
Outside the stadium, police had already cordoned off a few streets around the stadium, and limited them to accredited officials.
No cars will be allowed around the stadium, and members of the public are urged to use public transport. Doors at the stadium are expected to open from 6am, with the formal programme to start at 11am.
Madiba, who passed away on 5 December, will be laid to rest at his home village of Qunu on Sunday, 15 December.
President Jacob Zuma has declared a period of mourning, where flags around the country have been at half-mast from Friday, 6 December. They will remain so until after the State Funeral. – SAnews.gov.za
