Pretoria – South Africa is ready to welcome the historically high number of Heads of State and Government as they make their way to the country to pay their last respects to the former President Nelson Mandela.
SANDF spokesperson Brigadier General Xolani Mabanga said the Waterkloof Air Force Base is ready to welcome the several Heads of State who are scheduled to land at the airport in the next few days.
At least 70 Heads of State and Government -- some of whom are expected to speak during the service -- have confirmed their attendance for the memorial or State Funeral on December 15, and they are expected to arrive throughout the day today.
According to the landing schedule at Waterkloof, 17 dignitaries are expected to land here today alone. Others are landing at OR Tambo Airport as well as Lensiaria.
Among those who will touch down in the next few hours are delegations from China, Chad, Kenya, Cananda, Benin, Senegal and Equatorial Guinea.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Mabanga said the air force will be quite busy as well as other routes across the republic more especially around Johannesburg and Pretoria.
"There will be certain road closers which will be communicated in terms of tomorrow as well as lying in state of the former president."
Mabanga said various departments are working together to ensure smooth operation and movement of presidents around who will attend the Memorial Service at FNB stadium.
"In terms of movements for the Heads of State that's well attended to by the South African Police as well as other State Security Agencies."
Air Force One, carrying US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama, this afternoon departed Washington DC for South African shores.
Joining the Obama’s on Air Force One were former US President George W. Bush, his wife Laura Bush, as well as former US President Bill Clinton, along with his wife, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Former US President Jimmy Carter and his wife are also expected to arrive in South Africa to attend the Memorial Service on Tuesday.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s Head of Public Diplomacy, Clayson Monyela, had earlier indicated that the world leaders will travel with their own security detail, but would have to work closely with local authorities.
“The whole world is literally coming to South Africa," Monyela said.
The world's major organisations such as the United Nations, African Union, European Union and World Bank will also be represented at the Memorial Service. - SAnews.gov.za
