Qunu – Despite the rain, workers have completed erecting the giant white marquee at former President Nelson Mandela’s family farm where the official funeral of the late statesman will take place.
There was some activity in Mthatha on Thursday afternoon, with trucks carrying goods seen making their way to Qunu.
SAnews spotted at least 14 trucks entering the Mandela residence and these were followed by vans carrying catering equipment.
It’s been raining in Mthatha since Monday but the clouds were starting to clear on Thursday, with the South African Weather Services saying clear weather can be expected by the weekend.
Family spokesperson Bantu Holomisa said the rain did not stop service providers, who have been at the site since Sunday to ensure that the funeral venue is ready by Saturday.
“I can tell you now that the stage is complete and everything is ready for Sunday. At the moment, we are just awaiting for safety engineers to inspect the tent and issue a safety certificate.
“We are hoping that the weather can clear today or tomorrow but we are happy with the work on the ground.”
Workers, who are using a crane to put together the structure, were seen testing sound equipment and levelling the ground.
The marquee, which is expected to accommodate more than 4 000 dignitaries and guests, is overlooking the Mandela residence situated along the N2 road from Mthatha to East London. A few metres away is a family graveyard where Mandela will be laid to rest. When the weather started to clear on Thursday afternoon, workers continued to work on the grave site.
Security is tight around the residence, with police and military personnel searching every vehicle that enters the funeral venue.
No journalists will be allowed to film funeral proceedings straight from the venue. Instead, a media centre situated at the Nelson Mandela Museum will be opened to journalists. The museum is about 500 meters from where the funeral proceedings will be taking place.
Parts of the N2 that run adjacent to the house remained cordoned off, and traffic was being diverted.
Even foreign journalists who had booked accommodation in the houses opposite the Mandela residence were being denied access to the houses. Some had to get letters from a local chief confirming their stay there. - SAnews.gov.za
