Park and ride centres for public viewing of President Mandela’s body have been closed for the day – Thursday 12 December 2013 - after reaching their full capacity. Yesterday, December 11, between 12 000 and 14 000 people were able to pay their final respects. Today’s numbers are still being determined.
People in the queues at the park and ride facilities will be transported to the Union Buildings until 17h00 today, following which the remains of President Mandela will return to 1 Military Hospital, Thaba Tshwane.
Government appreciates the overwhelming response from the public to pay homage to Tata Madiba. However, it is a reality that there are limits on the number of hours for which the remains of the President can be viewed and, therefore, the number of people who can visit the Union Buildings between 8h00 and 17h30 daily.
We urge the public to arrive at the park and ride facilities as early as possible on the last day - tomorrow Friday 13 December 2013 - to be transported to the Union Buildings.
President Mandela’s body will be transferred to the Eastern Cape on Saturday 14 December 2013 and will be laid to rest in Qunu on Sunday 15 December 2013.
Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Acting Government Spokesperson
Cell: 083 501 0139
