Nelson Mandela’s life celebrated with week of events
The South African government declared a 10-day state funeral for Nelson Mandela after the country’s first democratically-elected black president died on Dec. 5 at the age of 95.
Dec. 8, 2013: National day of prayer and reflection to remember Mandela.
Dec. 10, 2013: World leaders and ordinary South Africans attend a public memorial service for Mandela at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg. President Jacob Zuma gave the official address with tributes by various heads of states including U.S. President Barack Obama.
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Dec. 11-13, 2013: South Africans and international dignitaries will be able to view Mandela’s body for three days at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Mandela’s family will view the body at 10 a.m. on Wednesday followed by public viewing from noon to 5:30 p.m. local time. On Dec. 12-13, the public can view the body from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 14, 2013: Mandela’s body will be transported to the Eastern Cape from Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria, where the ruling party will bid him farewell. A military Guard of Honour will welcome the remains which will be draped in the national flag.
On arrival at Mthatha Airport the military contingent will perform the ceremonial removal of the coffin form the aircraft. The coffin will be placed on a gun carriage and then transported into a hearse.
The casket will be transported to the family home in Qunu, where Mandela grew up and the community there will conduct a traditional ceremony.
Dec. 15, 2013: A state funeral, which will be attended by Mandela’s family, the president and other dignitaries, will be held for Mandela at Qunu; he will be buried in Qunu where he grew up.
