The programme for the Nelson Mandela memorial has been released by the South African government. Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba and US President Barack Obama are scheduled to speak at the event at the FNB Stadium, in Soweto, on Tuesday.
Pohamba on Monday announced a three day national period of mourning. Namibian flags will fly at half mast, from Friday 13 December, until Sunday, 15 December, the day Mandela will be buried in the Eastern Cape.
Obama, his wife Michelle, former president George Bush and his wife Laura, and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton left Washington for South Africa aboard Air Force One early on Monday.
"We do expect President Obama to speak as part of the programme", deputy US national security advisor Ben Rhodes told reporters travelling with the president.
Rhodes added that Obama had worked on his speech over the weekend.
About 80 000 people are expected to gather at the stadium on Tuesday for an emotional tribute to Mandela, who died last week at age 95.
The Programme
Cyril Ramaphosa and Baleka Mbete
11:00 – 15:00
1. National Anthem by Mass Choir
2. Welcome and Opening Remarks by Programme Directors
3. Interfaith Prayers
4. Tribute by Family Friend Andrew Mlangeni
5. Tribute by Family: General Thanduxolo Mandela
6. Tribute by the Grandchildren: Mbuso Mandela, Andile Mandela, Zozuko Dlamini, and Phumla Mandela.
7. Tribute by UN Representative: Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
8. Tribute by AU Commission Chair: Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
9. Tribute by Foreign Dignitaries: US President Barack Obama, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao, Namibian President Hifikepunye Phamba, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, Cuban President Raul Castro Ruz
10. Keynote Address by the President of South Africa: Jacob Zuma
11. Sermon by Bishop Ivan Abrahams
12. Vote of Thanks by Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane
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