Death and state funeral of Nelson Mandela

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President Nelson Mandela 1918-2013

Nelson Mandela died on 5 December 2013 at the age of 95, at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, South Africa surrounded by his family after a prolonged lung infection.[1] His death was announced by President Jacob Zuma.[1][2] Reactions from governments, international organizations, and notable individuals, got worldwide media coverage for a man of honor

Reactions[change | change source]

His death got reactions from Barack Obama, David Cameron, Pope Francis, Queen Elizabeth, Joe Biden, Harry Reid, Rihanna, Bashar al-Assad, José Mujica, Raul Castro, Nicolás Maduro, Prince William, and F. W. de Klerk.

Official funeral events[change | change source]

US President Barack Obama delivers his speech at Mandela's state memorial service
Qunu village in the Eastern Cape, where Mandela's funeral will be held on 15 December 2013

The South African government announced a period of 10 days of national mourning ending with the state funeral on 15 December 2013. All flags on government buildings were flown at half-mast for the duration of this period.[3]

On 9 December, it was confirmed that at least 80 foreign heads of state and government would travel to South Africa to attend events.[4] Notable guests included the President of the United States and three former presidents of the United States; the President of India; the Prime Minister of Italy; the Vice President of China; the President of Brazil; the President of France; the President of Ireland; the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; the President of Germany; the Prime Minister of Australia; two former Governors General of Canada, the Prime Minister of Canada, and three former Prime Ministers of Canada; the Prime Minister of Jordan; and the President of Afghanistan. Royal dignitaries attending include, the King of the Netherlands, the King of Belgium, the Prince of Wales, the Prince of Asturias, the Crown Prince of Denmark, the Crown Princess of Sweden, the Crown Prince of Norway, the Crown Prince of Japan, and the Queen Rania of Jordan.[3]

Queen Elizabeth II honored Mandela with a thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey in early 2014.[5][6][7]

Day of prayer[change | change source]

The South African government declared Sunday, 8 December 2013 to be observed as a national day of prayer and reflection.[3]

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.

— Jacob Zuma, 6 December 2013

Showing the body at the seat of the Government (or lying in state)[change | change source]

Mandela's body lay in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria from 11 to 13 December 2013.[1]

State funeral, Qunu[change | change source]

The state funeral was held on 15 December 2013 in Qunu in the Eastern Cape. He was later buried there on the same day.[1]

References[change | change source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "South Africa's Nelson Mandela dies in Johannesburg". BBC News. 5 December 2013. Retrieved 2013-12-05.
  2. ↑ Polgreen, Lydia (5 December 2013). "Mandela's Death Leaves South Africa Without Its Moral Center". The New York Times. Retrieved 2013-12-05.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "president jacob zuma on arrangements for the laying to rest of former president nelson mandela". Gov.za. Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
  4. ↑ "Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane: Confirmation of foreign Heads of State and Government attending activities relating to Former President Mandela's passing". Department of International Relations and Cooperation. 2013-12-09. Archived from the original on 2014-04-10. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
  5. ↑ "Queen to miss Nelson Mandela funeral over security and long-haul flight concerns". The Independent. 2013-12-08. Retrieved 2013-12-08.
  6. ↑ "Nelson Mandela service at Westminster Abbey will be first for non-British citizen". The Mirror. 2013-12-08. Retrieved 2013-12-08.
  7. ↑ "Queen will miss Nelson Mandela's funeral and send Prince Charles in her place, say Buckingham Palace as David Cameron prepares to fly out for memorial service". The Daily Mail. 2013-12-08. Retrieved 2013-12-08.

Other websites[change | change source]

Media related to Death and state funeral of Nelson Mandela at Wikimedia Commons

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