State funeral for Mandela
The passing of Nelson Mandela, first president of the democratic South Africa and father to our nation, was met with great sadness and mourning by SA citizens and the world at large last Friday.
Within hours of his death, President Jacob Zuma announced that Tata Madiba would be accorded a State Funeral and tributes began pouring in.
These came in both words and deeds from around the world.
In SA, President Zuma declared that the national flag was to be flown at half mast from last Friday until after the funeral which will be held in Qunu on Sunday.
In other parts of the world, the passing of Madiba was also recognised in a number of ways.
The American flag on the roof of the White House in Washington was lowered to half mast and it was announced that President Barack Obama was to attend the memorial service.
Eiffel Tower in Paris was lit in the colours of the SA flag and the statue of Nelson Mandela, in Trafalgar Square, London, saw hundreds of mourners laying wreaths and flowers at its base in memory of the statesman.
In a testament to the impact Madiba had on the world, at least 60 heads of state had, within hours of hearing of his death, confirmed their attendance at the official memorial service held at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday.
Arrangements
Addressing the nation on Friday afternoon, the president opened his statement, saying: “To begin with, we want to express our sincere appreciation to the people of South Africa and our friends and partners internationally for the generosity, kindness and warmth with which millions of people have responded to the news of the passing of our first democratically elected President.
“We have witnessed extraordinary scenes of support and celebration of the life of Madiba at various centres around South Africa and the world.
“We have witnessed overwhelming responses at our missions abroad and domestically.
“We greatly appreciate these demonstrations of humanity and solidarity.”
He went on to outline government-managed events in which members of the public are encouraged to participate.
These will be supplemented by numerous events that will take place in provinces and communities around the country, including within Ekurhuleni.
“Government welcomes these events as part of the worldwide celebration of Madiba’s life and would like to encourage all people from all walks of life to support these events,” President Zuma said.
“We go into this period with grief and sadness but also with fortitude, continuity and hope in the future that Madiba wished this great country would enjoy.”
Key events
On Saturday the government began preparing for a three-day period, December 11 to December 13 in which the body will lie in state at the Union Buildings.
South Africans and selected international visitors and guests will be able to view President Mandela’s remains at the Union Buildings.
The body was prepared for this by the Military Health Service of the South African National Defence Force and will be transported daily between 1 Military Hospital, Thaba Tshwane, and the Union Buildings.
Details of this route and times will be provided in due course. Government invites mourners to line this route and form a public guard of honour for Tata Madiba when the remains are transported.
The Ekurhuleni Metro has organised transport for Springs and Kwatsaduza residents who wish to view the body in Pretoria.
Buses will leave at 7am each morning, from:
- KwaThema Civic Centre at the corner of Moshoeshoe and Tshaka streets.
- Faranani Multipurpose Centre in Modjadji Street, Tsakane.
- Daveyton Mall, in Eiselen Road and Turton Street.
Trains will leave from (times had not been set at the time of going to print):
- Daveyton train stations to Germiston to Pretoria.
- Springs train station to Germiston to Pretoria.
Zuma advised mourners that cameras, including cellphones will not be allowed at the Union Buildings. Mourners are advised not to bring cameras and cellphones in their possession.
On Saturday, the former President’s remains will be transported to the Eastern Cape from Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria, where the ruling party will bid Madiba farewell.
Also on this day, a procession will take place from Mthatha to Qunu where the Thembu community will conduct a traditional ceremony.
The following day, a funeral service and interment ceremony will take place at former President Mandela’s home and final resting place at Qunu in the Eastern Cape.
For members of the public who are unable to be present at these events, government announced that most of the key events will be broadcast live on television throughout this period and mourners around the country and the world will therefore be able to follow these events day by day.
A number of public viewing areas are being established at various points around the country to allow as many people as possible to follow and witness these historic occasions.
Condolence Books in which people can record their tributes, are also available at municipal, provincial and other government offices around the country, as well as South Africa’s diplomatic missions abroad.
The books of condolences for Ekurhuleni residents to express their feelings on the loss of former President Nelson Mandela have been delivered to the three identified main mourning venues of the City of Ekurhuleni.
These venues are the KwaThema Civic hall, Kempton Park Civic and Germiston City hall where the books will be available between 9am and 10pm until December 22. Here mourners are offered official Ekurhuleni venues to lay wreaths, pass on their heartfelt condolences and pay their last respects to Madiba.
