Johannesburg – Around 70 heads of state and 10 former heads of state have confirmed their attendance for Tuesday’s official memorial service for the late former South African President, Nelson Mandela, according to a report on Eyewitness News on Monday.
“The whole world is literally coming to South Africa” said International Relations and Co-operation spokesperson Clayson Monyela.
“We wish to reiterate that our international guests are most welcome as they join us at this difficult time,” said Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane in a statement on Sunday.
American President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, have confirmed their attendance, along with Former American Presidents, George W Bush, Bill Clinton, and their wives.
“The Brazilian President, Ms. Dilma Rousseff will be accompanied by four former Heads of State,” said Chabane.
The United Nations Chief, Ban Ki Moon also confirmed his attendance at Tuesday’s service, and will fly directly from Paris, France where he is currently attending a peace summit.
But Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday he would not attend the memorial service himself, and will send another Israeli representative. According to the Jerusalem Post, the trip is too expensive and short-notice, and would cost the Prime Minister some NIS 7 million, about R20.6 million.
Mandela was a vocal supporter of the Palestinian people.
The Dalai Lama, who was controversially denied a visa to South Africa twice, also announced he “has no plans to go” to Tuesday’s service.
Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium will host the official service, and will open its gates from 06:00. The service is free to everyone and will operate on a “first come first serve” basis. President Jacob Zuma will begin the service at 11:00, after which other heads of states will pay tribute.
Private cars will not be allowed within the vicinity of the FNB Stadium, and roads will be closed off as of midnight on Monday, said the Chief Superintendent of Johannesburg Metro Police, Wayne Minnaar.
Those that are unable to attend the service at the FNB Stadium will be directed to the Ellis Park, Orlando and Dobsonville stadiums where big screens will be installed for the public, said Chabane.
“People must accept that at some stage this capacity will be filled and police and other authorities will turn people away. We call on people to cooperate and demonstrate patience and dignity if they were to be turned away,” he added.
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