Pretoria – The park and ride facilities to the Union Buildings have reached their full capacity and are now closed for the day.
The facilities are for the public who want to view the body of former President Nelson Mandela, who is lying in state at the Amphitheatre at the Union Buildings.
Yesterday, between 12 000 and 14 000 people were able to pay their final respects. Today’s numbers are still being determined.
People in the queues at the park and ride facilities will be transported to the Union Buildings until 5pm this afternoon, following which the remains of President Mandela will return to 1 Military Hospital in Thaba Tshwane.
Government says it appreciates the overwhelming response from the public to pay homage to tata Madiba.
The public will be given another opportunity to view Mandela’s remains at the Union Buildings between 8am and 5.30pm tomorrow.
“We urge the public to arrive at the park and ride facilities as early as possible on the last day (tomorrow) to be transported to the Union Buildings,” said Acting Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) CEO Phumla Williams.
Madiba’s body will be transferred to the Eastern Cape on Saturday and will be laid to rest in Qunu the next day. – SAnews.gov.za
