Pretoria - The official programme for the late President Nelson Mandela is underway, in the rural village of Qunu, in the Eastern Cape where he spent much of his childhood.
The funeral is a category 1 State Funeral, meaning that it is accompanied by full military ceremonial honours. Diplomatic protocol and traditional Xhosa customs will be carried out too, during the funeral, which is being attended by over 4500 people.
Today marks the final day of the 10-day official mourning period since the global icon passed away last Thursday at his Houghton home at the age of 95.
The funereal is taking place in a specially constructed dome, with purple and black chairs for the mourners to sit. Dignitaries attending, include Malawi President Joyce Banda and Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, who will both offer tributes to Madiba.
Other speakers on the programme include Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, representing the family. He will be followed by Mandela’s close friend and comrade Ahmed Kathrada.
The UK’s Prince Charles and billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe and celebrity Oprah Winfrey are also attending the funeral. A limited number of local people from Qunu have also been accommodated.
Public viewing areas have been set up across the country and television channels across the world are broadcasting the ceremony.
Mandela will be buried next to his relatives at the family gravesite in a private and more intimate ceremony. - SAnews.gov.za
