NELSON MANDELA (1918 – 2013): Funeral arrangements, services

Mandela will be laid to rest during an official state funeral, which will take place over a period of 10 days.
Former president Nelson Mandela will be buried at Qunu in the Eastern Cape on 15 December 2013, following an official memorial service on 10 December at FNB stadium in Johannesburg.
South African flags at all official buildings will fly at half-mast throughout the period.
The public will be given ample opportunity to pay their last respects to former President Mandela. There are public venues throughout the country that will serve as memorial centres where people will be able to participate in public mourning events.
Books of condolence are being circulated to all municipalities and government departments. People can also post tributes, record memories and express their emotions at the Government Facebook page.
Books of condolence will also be accessible at our diplomatic missions around the world in the coming days.
Memorial service – 10 December 2013
The public and media are welcome to attend a memorial service for former President Mandela at the FNB Stadium on 10 July. The time of the service will be announced later.
About 80 000 people will be able to attend the memorial service on a first come first serve basis.
The public may also watch the procession from selected stadiums in all nine provinces as it will be broadcast live. More information will be made available.
Lying in State – 11 to 13 December 2013
South Africans and selected international visitors and guests will be able to view President Mandela’s remains at the Union Buildings for three days from Wednesday, 11 December.
President Mandela’s remains 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.
Again, we call on members of the public to cooperate with the authorities to ensure that this event is dignified and secure.
Away from the memorial route, members of the public wishing to pay their final respects will be shuttled to the Union Buildings from two central venues in Tshwane that will be announced in due course.
Only mourners who report to these venues will be allowed to visit the Union Buildings and view the remains.
Mourners are advised that cameras, including cellphones will not be allowed at the Union Buildings. Mourners are advised not to bring cameras and cellphones in their possession.
Transporting of remains to Qunu – Saturday, 14 December 2013
On Saturday, 14 December, 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.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will take charge of this leg of the State funeral.
A military Guard of Honour will welcome the mortal remains which will be draped in the national flag.
Upon arrival at Mthatha Airport the SANDF contingent will perform the ceremonial removal of the Mortal Remains form the aircraft.
The coffin will be placed on a gun carriage and then transported into a hearse.