Nelson Mandela's Coffin Goes On Public View

Tens of thousands of South Africans are expected to line the streets of Pretoria to pay their respects as the body of Nelson Mandela is taken to lie
in state.

The former leader's remains will be moved from a military hospital to the grand setting of the Union Buildings - the official seat of the government where he was sworn in as president.

People have been asked to form a guard of honour as his coffin passes by at the start of three days of mourning in the executive capital.

Members of Mr Mandela's family and VIPs will pay their respects before the public are allowed in to view the body inside a glass topped coffin.

The procession will take place each morning until Friday, with the coffin being returned to the military hospital each evening.

With worries about crowds, three sites have been set up in Pretoria from where mourners will be shuttled in to the Union Buildings and back.


People have been told their mobile phones will have to be switched off and be out out of sight before they will be allowed to file past the body. No photos will be allowed.


The lying in state will end with Mr Mandela's remains being transported to the Eastern Cape and his ancestral home of Qunu at the weekend ahead of his funeral on sunday.

A military guard of honour will greet the coffin, which will be draped in the national flag.