Pretoria - The excellent carrying out of logistical arrangements around the State Funeral of South Africa’s first democratically-elected President, Nelson Mandela, demonstrated South Africa’s capability to host massive international events.
This is according to President Jacob Zuma, who on Monday addressed the hundreds of people who gathered at the Union Buildings to commemorate National Reconciliation Day, which coincided with the unveiling of Madiba’s giant statue and the marking of the Union Buildings’ centenary.
“Allow me to use this opportunity to thank the Inter-Ministerial Committee for State Funerals, chaired by the Minister in the Presidency, Collins Chabane, and the related technical support committees, for their sterling job in organising a dignified burial for our beloved Madiba.
“The excellent logistical arrangements have once again demonstrated the capability of our country to host international events of this magnitude. We hosted heads of state and government, royalty, eminent persons, entertainers, the global business sector and all sorts of global personalities,” he said.
Zuma also, on behalf of government, thanked all the security services, who worked hard to protect citizens, foreign dignitaries and guests throughout the period.
“We acknowledge our police officials who went beyond the call of normal duty, and were seen comforting citizens who were overcome with grief after viewing the body of Madiba at the Union Buildings. They were ably assisted by the SA National Defence medical services personnel,” he said.
Mandela died at the age of 95 peacefully and surrounded by family at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg on December 5.
Zuma had declared a 10-day mourning period which included a massive memorial service at FNB Stadium, Madiba’s body lying in state for three days at the Union Buildings and a Category 1 State Funeral in Qunu, Eastern Cape on Sunday.
The official mourning period came to an end at midnight last night and the national flag has been raised at all posts. - SAnews.gov.za
