Pretoria – As mourners continue arriving at the Union Buildings to sign the Condolence Book for the later former President Nelson Mandela, work has started inside the building in preparation for the lying in state on Wednesday.
On entering Government Street, which leads to the entrance of the Union Buildings, one can see work is already in full swing, with some streets already been closed. A number of people could be seen coming in and out of their cars with journalists, especially the foreign media camped outside the building, trying to capture every moment.
On entering the building, one could hear noises of machines from the entrance as workers are busy setting up the main stage. Few metres away from the stage, a construction vehicle carrying bricks is parked off, with workers preparing to offload them.
In front of the stage, workers in brown uniform are busy watering the grass, while members of the SAPS are monitoring the area to ensure security and making sure that no one moves beyond the stage and disturb workers.
The workers on the stage seemed to be more focussed on making sure that the stage is up and ready before the big day.
Eminent persons, including diplomats from foreign countries, including government director-generals, ministers and deputy ministers are also expected to come to the Union Buildings, where they will collect their accreditation.
Mandela’s body will be stationed at the Amphitheatre at the Union Buildings daily from Wednesday, 11 October to 13 October.
Minister in the Presidency for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Collins Chabane, on Sunday, said the procession will leave the 1 Military Hospital daily at 7am and will be on display from 8am.
“On Wednesday, December 11, the Mandela family and VVIPs will view the body from 10am.
“Members of the public will file past the body from midday to 5:30pm.
“On Thursday and Friday December 12 and 13, the public will have access to casket from 8am to 5.30pm.
“We also appeal to people to work with the various agencies of government who will manage this route so that this daily event will be dignified and secure,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
