Just 24 hours after Nelson Mandela’s passing, national memorial and funeral plans have been announced, reports CNN.
A memorial for the former South African leader will be held on Tuesday, December 10th in FNB Stadium, in Soweto, President Jacob Zuma informed the media. “We should all work together to organize the most befitting funeral for this outstanding son of our country,” he said.
Sunday, December 8th will mark a “national day of prayer and reflection.”
From December 11th until December 13th, Mandela will lie in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the capital. According to released details, the first day will only allow dignitaries to pay their respects. The public will be given access in the following two days.
Mandela’s body will then be transported (via aircraft) from Pretoria to his childhood town of Qunu. Once in Qunu, a private vigil with ANC leaders, chiefs and Mandela’s family is expected to take place.
On December 15th, a public funeral will be held for the late leader. Thousands of mourners, dignitaries and family will gather on the grounds of Mandela’s home for the ceremony. The funeral will be televised.