Madiba funeral date set

UPDATE: 6 December, 3pm

According to @eNCAnews and @ewnreporter the State Funeral of Nelson Mandela will be held on 15 December.

A 10 day mourning program is in place, including a public memorial service at the FNB Stadium at 10 December.

President Zuma said in a press statement: “The ANC sincerely thanks all South Africans for the dignified way the respected and responded to the passing of Madiba. The outpouring of love is unprecedented. It demonstrates the kind of leader Madiba was. We must work together to ensure most fitting funeral for our father.”

Zuma thanked the nation for reacting to news of Madiba’s passing with dignity and respect.

“We have declared Sunday, 8 December to be a day of national prayer and reflection.”

UPDATE: 6 December, 2.30pm

According to the Toronto Sun’s website, the pontiff wrote, “I pray that the late President’s example will inspire generations of South Africans to put justice and the common good at the forefront of their political aspirations.”

The report said the Pope praised Mandela’s “steadfast commitment… in promoting the human dignity of all the nation’s citizens and in forging a new South Africa built on the firm foundations of non-violence, reconciliation and truth.”

The South African Catholic Bishops Conference posted the full text of the telegram on its website:

“It was with sadness that I learned of the death of former President Nelson Mandela, and I send prayerful condolences to all the Mandela family, to the members of the Government and to all the people of South Africa.

“In commending the soul of the deceased to the infinite mercy of Almighty God, I ask the Lord to console and strengthen all who mourn his loss.

“Paying tribute to the steadfast commitment shown by Nelson Mandela in promoting the human dignity of all the nation’s citizens and in forging a new South Africa built on the firm foundations of non-violence, reconciliation and truth, I pray that the late President’s example will inspire generations of South Africans to put justice and the common good at the forefront of their political aspirations.

“With these sentiments, I invoke upon all the people of South Africa divine gifts of peace and prosperity. Franciscus PP,” it read.

 UPDATE: 6 December, 2pm

As a sign of respect from the JSE and the financial services industry for Mandela, all JSE markets were paused for five minutes.

Media consultant for the JSE, Victoria Williams said the JSE had never halted trade in this way before.

“Nelson Mandela’s global statesmanship made him one of the most revered leaders the world has known,” said JSE chief executive officer, Nicky Newton-King.

“His attention to all he met, combined with his ability to listen and to understand those on the other side were just a few of the reasons that so many people in the world today have been influenced by Nelson Mandela, including some who were his former adversaries.”

JSE chairperson, Humphrey Borkum said, “There weren’t many occasions that trading activity would simply halt on the JSE’s old open outcry floor, but Nelson Mandela’s visits always had this effect.

Incredibly, despite the adulation, his influence and place on the world stage, he remained humble with an easy grace with those around him.”

Borkum recalled Mandela’s several visits to the JSE. “I was privileged to meet with Mr Mandela on several occasions, both when the exchange was in downtown

Johannesburg and later, when it moved to Sandown. In each case he would take the time to greet and share a moment with every person he encountered.”

For further coverage on Madiba’s death, click here.

To see photos of the many tributes to Nelson Mandela, click here.

To see photos of Madiba’s Houghton home click here.

UPDATE: 6 December, 12.30pm

The hate-group, known for picketing at the funerals of homosexuals and American soldiers killed in duty, appears to be planning to travel to South Africa to protest at Mandela’s funeral.

The church tweeted from its account @WBCSays, “Thank God for Nelson Mandela being dropped into Hell! Westboro Baptist Church booking flight to South Africa (not banned) to picket funeral!”

The church then asked several South African news services via Twitter for details about the funeral so “travel arrangements can be made ASAP”.

In reply to a tweet about Mandela’s death by America’s ABC news, the group said, “Get over it, ya stinking hypocrites! That adulterer is currently residing in Hell.”

The church also tweeted, “We must picket Nelson Mandela’s funeral to warn you he’s in Hell. Stop worshipping him and obey God!”

The tweets elicited a very strong response from people across the globe.

UPDATE: December 6, 11am:

Tributes have poured in for Nelson Mandela following his death last night.

A moment’s silence was held at the start of play on day two of the second test between Australia and England. It was also reported that the Australian team would be wearing black armbands out of respect for the late Madiba.

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has joined millions of people in South Africa and around the world who feel a profound sense of loss at the passing of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

“We are immensely proud that one of our own is loved and revered on every corner of the globe and stands tall amongst the greatest leaders of the 20th century. We wish to convey our sincere condolences to Tata Madiba’s family, from whom he had been separated for almost three decades. These are extremely difficult times for the Mandela family, but we are sure that they will see it through with courage, grace and dignity,” read a statement from the foundation.

Fifa president Joseph S Blatter said, “It is in deep mourning that I pay my respects to an extraordinary person, probably one of the greatest humanists of our time and a dear friend of mine, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

“Nelson Mandela will stay in our hearts forever. The memories of his remarkable fight against oppression, his incredible charisma and his positive values will live on in us and with us,” said Blatter.

As a mark of respect and mourning, the flags of the 209 member associations at the Home of Fifa will be flown at half-mast and there will be a minute of silence before the next round of international matches.

A condolence book has been set up at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where the flags are flying at half mast in Mandela’s honour.

Primedia have decided to not show the Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom movie for 24 hours, stating that it was not fair to make money off of such a tragic event.

UPDATE: December 6, 10.30am:

All flags throughout the country are flying at half-mast from Friday and will remain so until after Nelson Mandela’s state funeral.

The former statesman’s body was transported to Milatary 1 Hospital in Pretoria in the early hours of this morning and the entrance of the hospital has since been barricaded by police.

For the period of mourning, until 13 December, Mandela’s body is expected to lie in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, guarded by South African National Defence Force personnel.
Madiba’s casket will be placed under a dome close to the Union Buildings on 10 December for three days, the very same place where he took the Oath of Office when he became South Africa’s first democratically elected President in 1994.

Next week, either on Friday or Saturday, Mandela’s body is expected to be taken by military aircraft to his ancestral hometown of Qunu, which he had asked to be his final resting place.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has confirmed he will attend Nelson Mandela’s funeral while White House officials have already privately indicated that Obama will be travelling to South Africa at some time during elaborate funeral ceremonies.

According to reports Obama will likely be joined on Air Force One by other key political leaders from the United States, including some of the living former Presidents, who were quick to react to Mandela’s death with their own statements.

Heads of state and royalty from around the world are expected to make the journey to the rural homestead, where a state funeral will be held and Mandela will be laid to rest.

A memorial service will be held at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. As soon as we have confirmed the details we will give an update.

UPDATE: December 6, 10.17:

The crowd of people outside Madiba’s house is slowly swelling as more arrive to pay their respects. Some are singing, some are praying, while some are quietly leaving flowers and cards before moving off.

South Africans and foreigners of all shapes and sizes, a heavy media presence, as well as a major police contingent can be seen.
Apart from the singing the crowd is quite sombre.

To see photos of the many tributes to Nelson Mandela, click here.

To see photos of Madiba’s Houghton home click here.

UPDATE: December, 6, 9.59am

The South African Institute of Race Relations said in a statement that Mandela’s death will not destabilise race relations in the country, contrary to fears sometimes expressed.

“For many years now, South Africans have got along with one another largely peacefully without Mr Mandela having been active in the political sphere,’ said Lerato Moloi, head of research at the institute.

“In fact, Mandela’s passing may be cause for many to reflect on the remarkably peaceful and swift racial integration of many parts of society, including schools, suburbs, universities, and workplaces.

Although some of this had started to occur before 1994, as a symbol of racial reconciliation and forgiveness Mr Mandela will be viewed by many as having played a pivotal role in creating such a society.”
T

he 2013 edition of the flagship publication released by the institute, The South Africa Survey, has been named the Mandela Commemorative Edition in honour of Nelson Mandela who, in his celebrated ‘I am prepared to die speech’, is quoted from the 1963 edition of the survey.

UPDATE: December 6, 7.30am:

The Nelson Mandela Foundation has expressed their deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences after the news of Mandela’s passing on 5 December.

Daniella Melville, spokesperson for the Nelson Mandela Foundation said, “We know all South Africans, and indeed the world, join us in this profound sense of loss and sadness on the death of our beloved founder, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.”

She said Mandela’s living legacy is what has kept the foundation going.

“His legacy lives on in all of us – it is in our hands now,” she added. Donations to the foundation can be made via the website or the Facebook page: Nelson Mandela and the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory.

Details: www.nelsonmandela.org

UPDATE: December 6, 7.30am:

We have received reports that the roads surrounded Nelson Mandela’s Houghton home have been closed. According to our journalist on the ground police blockades are blocking the roads giving access to Tata Madiba’s home in Houghton.

This comes after hundreds of mourners have flooded the streets in the suburb to hold vigil and pay their respect to the Statesman.

We will update you as soon as we have more information.

UPDATE: December 6, 7am:

Former President Nelson Mandela’s body has been taken to Military 1 Hospital in Pretoria.

According to reports the N1 was flooded by blue lights as official cars and motorbikes escoreted a black vehicle carrying the casket.

This is part of the preparations for the state funeral which Jacob Zuma said would take place. No date has yet been announced.

Meanwhile hundreds of mourners have gathered outside Madiba’s Houghton home to pay their respects.

To read more about Tata’s life and legacy click here

December 6, 12am:

Former president Nelson Mandela and the father of the nation died on 5 December.

President Jacob Zuma made the announcement shortly before midnight on 5 December.

In a live broadcast from the Union Buildings, Jacob Zuma said the former statesman passed away peacefully in the company of his family at his Houghton home at 8.50pm.

“Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss,” Zuma said.

“The nation’s thoughts were with Madiba’s wife Graca Machel, his former wife Winnie Madikizela- Mandela, his children, his grandchildren, his great grand-children and the entire family as well as his

friends, comrades and colleagues.”

All flags in the country will fly at half-mast on 6 December and remain lowered until after Mandela’s funeral.

“Our thoughts are with the South African people who today mourn the loss of the one person who, more than any other, came to embody their sense of a common nationhood,” said Zuma.

“Let us express, each in our own way, the deep gratitude we feel for a life spent in service of the people of this country and in the cause of humanity. This is indeed the moment of our deepest

sorrow. Yet it must also be the moment of our greatest determination.”

Zuma said that Madiba had brought us together, and it is together that we bid him farewell.

Messages from world leaders began pouring in after the announcement was made.

US president Barack Obama said, “We have lost one of the most influential, courageous, and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this Earth. He no longer belongs to us – he belongs to the ages.”

“I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set, and so long as I live I will do what I can to learn from him,” he added.

Obama, who is expected to attend Mandela’s state funeral, ordered the flags at the White House and public buildings to be lowered to half-mast.

Meanwhile, as South Africans woke to news of Mandela’s death, crowds flocked to his Houghton home on 6 December- holding candles and flags while singing struggle songs.

Social media was abuzz following the news of the former statesman’s death.

@MorganLPotter tweeted: “Today the World lost one of its greatest men. #RIP NelsonMandela, you were a truly remarkable man and will be sorely missed.”

@ZOELIFE1: “RIPNelsonMandela …thank you for being an example and a beacon of hope not only for Africa but for the world… #SouthAfricaunite.”

Mandela had been largely out of the public eye since the 2010 Soccer World Cup and had been fighting several bouts of lung infection since 2011.

Mandela had been admitted to hospital on June 8 with a recurring lung infection.

He was discharged on September 1 and was being treated at his home.