Fewer international dignitaries at Mandela funeral

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation says fewer international dignitaries will be attending Sunday's funeral than the number who attended this week's official memorial service.

However, department spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, says the state funeral will be attended by several heads of state and government, former heads of state, eminent persons, heads of delegation, heads of international organisations and the diplomatic corps.

Britain's Prince Charles, Malawian President Joyce Banda, Lesotho's King Letsie the Third and current and former statesmen from Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Zambia are among the guests expected at the funeral.

Iran's Vice President Mohammad Shariat-Madari will also attend, alongside representatives of Norway and France.

Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane told the public broadcaster that most heads of state understood that the logistics at Qunu were limited.