More than 1 000 business people and VIPs are expected to converge on St George's Cathedral today for the funeral of murdered mining magnate Brett Kebble, with Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad representing the government.
Organisers said on Monday a big screen would be erected outside the cathedral and members of the public were welcome to attend.
Cape Town businessman and former ANC provincial chairman in the Western Cape, Chris Nissen, said the family had "steered clear" of formal invitations because of the sheer number of people likely to attend.
Among Kebble's business associates would be a contingent of people from companies in England with whom the mining boss had dealings. Nissen declined to name the companies.
Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool, probably accompanied by his wife Rosieda Shabodien, would also attend.
ANC Youth League spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said senior figures including the organisation's president Fikile Mbalula would also attend. However, he noted that the ANCYL would not be sending "any official delegation".
The ANC also said the party would not "officially" be sending any representatives.
Although former deputy president Jacob Zuma, who enjoyed a close relationship with Kebble, was likely to attend, his personal assistant Nomonde Makhaye said she could not confirm this.
The Shaik family was likely to be represented by Mo Shaik.
Presidency spokesperson David Hlabane said Pahad would attend on behalf of President Thabo Mbeki's office.
He did not rule out the attendance of Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.
Cabinet ministers may miss the funeral because of a vigorous imbizo programme. Minister of Minerals and Energy Lindiwe Hendricks is in Russia and can therefore not attend.
Opposition party leaders contacted including IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, DA leader Tony Leon, who is abroad, and ID leader Patricia de Lille will not attend.
The secretary-general of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Gwede Mantashe, said although he would not be there, other NUM members were likely to pay their respects.
Nissen said most of Kebble's South African business contacts would be in Cape Town for the funeral. These include senior figures at Kebble's former companies and colleagues such as Pam Golding and Willem Heath.
In addition to business associates, people who benefited from social development programmes and feeding schemes initiated by Kebble will be at the funeral.
These include representatives of feeding schemes in areas such as Fish Hoek, people from the Joe Slovo informal settlement where Kebble had donated millions of rands towards housing and others representing the arts community.
The funeral starts at 2pm.
It will be followed by a private cremation.