Week of mourning for adored Mandela
AS SOUTH Africans continued their vigils celebrating the life of Nelson Mandela, plans were announced for a week of mourning culminating in his burial at his beloved ancestral home.
World leaders are expected to converge on South Africa to pay their respects.
US President Barack Obama has already said he will attend and tributes have poured in from leaders around the world.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott is also expected to confirm he will attend.
Since Mr Mandela’s death on Thursday night, crowds have gathered at his homes in Soweto and Johannesburg, singing anti-apartheid anthems and praying for his soul.
South African President Jacob Zuma paid tribute to the man who taught that it was possible to overcome hatred and anger to build a new nation.
Mr Zuma announced that an official memorial service would be held on Tuesday at the FNB Football stadium in Soweto.
The stadium holds up to 95,000 people and is expected to be packed.
Following this, Mr Mandela’s body will lie in state for three days — from Wednesday to Friday — at the Union Building in Pretoria, and memorial services will be held in all provinces and regions.
The week, which is a massive logistical exercise, will culminate with the funeral on December 15, followed by his burial on a hillside at his family’s ancestral home in Qunu, in Eastern Cape Province.
It is understood that it is Mr Mandela’s wish to be buried in the soil that he walked barefoot as a boy herding cattle.
A sombre Mr Zuma announced the funeral details, calling for his countrymen to make today a national day of prayer and reflection.
‘‘ We sincerely thank all South Africans for the dignified manner in which they have responded to the monumental loss of this international icon, who was a symbol of reconciliation, unity, love, human rights and justice in our country and the world,’’ he said.
‘‘ We should all work together to organise the most befitting funeral for this outstanding son of our country and the father of our young nation.’’
Mr Zuma thanked South Africans for their support for the Mandela family.
‘‘ The outpouring of love that we experienced locally and abroad was unprecedented,’’ he said.
‘‘It demonstrates the calibre of leader that was Madiba. We will always love Madiba for teaching us that it is possible to overcome hatred and anger in order to build a new nation.
‘‘We will spend the week mourning his passing. We will also spend it celebrating a life well lived, a life that we must all emulate for the betterment of our country and Africa. Long live Madiba!’’