Pretoria - The City of Tshwane has appealed to members of the public, who are waiting to be transported for the viewing of Madiba’s body at the Union Buildings, to remain patient.
This, as the City is waiting for signal from the security forces before people can be transported.
The Mandela family and Heads of State and other dignitaries have already viewed the body. The public will get the opportunity to say their final goodbyes from just after noon until 5pm today.
On Thursday and Friday, the body will be moved once again from 1 Military Hospital to the Union Buildings at 7am and the public will be able to view the remains from 8am to 5pm.
Spokesperson for the City, Selby Moeketsi Bokaba, also urged people not to walk to the Union Buildings but make use of the park and ride facility. Access to view the body will be restricted to people in city buses only.
“The Park and ride facility is a security measure to ensure the smooth flow of people wishing to pay their last respect to Madiba. Park and ride facilities for the public are at the Tshwane Events Center, LC De Villiers Sports Facility in Hatfield and Fountains Valley Park,” Bokaba explained.
The cortège of the late President departed from 1 Military Hospital on Old Pretoria road towards the City where it joined Kgosi Mampuru Road until the intersection of Madiba Street and it proceeded in the eastern direction towards the Union Buildings.
The city also advised street vendors that no trading will be allowed on the designated roads during the cortège movement on all three days.
“Shop owners along these routes are also advised to temporarily close shop given the large number of people expected to line the streets.”
Tshwane memorial service
The City will on 12 December 2013 will host a memorial service at Lucas Moripe “Masterpieces” stadium from 2pm to honour the first democratic elected President. The memorial service is expected to be addressed by senior members of the national cabinet and interfaith community, supplemented by cultural performance and citations. – SAnews.gov.za
