As South Africa enters an eight-day mourning period over the death of freedom fighter and former president Nelson Mandela, announcements regarding his funeral arrangements have been released.
In a memo issued by the presidency, Jacob Zuma thanked all South Africans for the manner in which they have responded to the loss of an international icon and asked that the world continue to send messages of love and condolences to support the Mandela family.
Details on the funeral ceremony were also outlined.
We announced yesterday that the Former President will be accorded a State Funeral. He will be laid to rest on the 15th of December, in Qunu in the Eastern Cape province.
We should all work together to organise the most befitting funeral for this outstanding son of our country and the father of our young nation.
We have declared Sunday, 8th December as a national day of prayer and reflection.
We call upon all our people to gather in halls, churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and in their homes for prayer services and meditation, reflecting on the life of Madiba and his contribution to our country and the world.
According to the memo, the main activities of the national week of mourning are as follows:
The official memorial service will be held on the 10th of December at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
From the 11th to the 13th of December, the remains of our beloved Madiba will lie in state at the seat of government, the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where he served as the first President of this young democracy. During these days, official memorial services will also be held in all provinces and regions.
For more information on how South Africa will celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela, click here.
SOURCE: Nelson Mandela | PHOTO CREDIT: Twitter
