Wreath laying at Union buildings in honour of Madiba
JOBURG - In memory of South Africa’s late former president Nelson Mandela, a wreath laying ceremony will take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 5 December.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/12/Madibastatue_591169749_4953414.jpg)
As part of the national commemoration service, wreaths will be laid at a ceremony at the Mandela statue on the Union Buildings’ lawns at 8am.
Veterans of the struggle against apartheid, including those who fought side-by-side with Mandela, will participate in the wreath laying ceremony.
The laying of wreaths will be open to all South Africans and members of the public are invited to lay their own wreaths at the statue during the course of the day.
Speaking ahead of the first anniversary of Mandela’s death, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said, “Let us all keep Nelson Mandela’s legacy alive by living his values in every aspect of our own lives – unflinching sacrifice in the humble service of all of humanity.
“All South Africans are urged to play their part in moving South Africa forward as part of efforts to build a better South Africa, in a better Africa, in a better world, and in memory of this icon of our people, Nelson Mandela.”