Johannesburg - Over 100 public viewing sites will be open for former president Nelson Mandela's memorial service, the government said on Monday.
“At least 150 public viewing areas will be active at various times during this week. Details of these sites are listed on the official government memorial website, www.mandela.gov.za,” acting government spokeswoman Phumla Williams said in a statement.
The official memorial service would be held on Tuesday at FNB Stadium, in Johannesburg, from 11am. The stadium gates would be open to the public from 6am.
“Government reminds the public that no cars will be allowed near FNB Stadium, and once the stadium is filled, the public will be directed to other stadiums.”
The public viewing areas include Ellis Park Stadium, Orlando Stadium, Dobsonville Stadium, Freedom Park, Mabopane Indoor Centre in Mawiga, Giant Stadium in Soshanguve, and Suurman Community Hall in Hammanskraal.
Williams said free public transport and park-and-ride services had been arranged for mourners.
Parents taking children under the age of eight to the memorial services at any of the stadiums were advised to write their cellphone numbers in permanent marker on the inside of their children's forearms.
Sapa