President Koroma signing the Mandela book of condolence at the RSA honorary consulate in Freetown
By Umaru Fofana
Hours after signing the book of condolence in Freetown in honour of the late former South African President, Nelson Mandela, President Ernest Bai Koroma left last night to attend the funeral service in Soweto, outside Johannesburg, for the antiapartheid campaigner and global icon.
State House communication officer, Jarrah Kawusu-Konteh told Politico that the delegation also included foreign minister Dr Samoura Kamara, information minister Alpha Kanu and social welfare minister Moijueh Kaikai, as well as the Honorary South African consul in Freetown, Aminata Kallay.
Speaking to Politico Ms Kallay said she had been "overwhelmed by the show of love and appreciation" for Mr Mandela. She said many had pointed to his "exemplary character as a reconciler which has given South Africa the stability it enjoys".
All this as Sierra Leone marks three days of mourning and the flying at half mast of the country's flag.
As we went to press last night they were due to fly out on a private plane to join scores of other leaders from around the world - past and present - who are attending the funeral. They include US President Barack Obama and three of his predecessors, George W Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter.
Leaders from far and wide apart as the French, Iranian and Cuban presidents will be there. So also will the British prime minister, David Cameron and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.
Other global figures and A-list celebrities including rock star Bono will be in attendance.
In all more than 80,000 people including around 70 heads of state will attend the service inside the giant FNB stadium in Soweto, where Mandela made his last major public appearance for the 2010 World Cup final.
Around 11,000 troops have reportedly been mobilised.
Mandela’s body will then lie in state on Wednesday in the amphitheatre of the Union Buildings in Pretoria where he was sworn in as president in 1994. For three days, every morning, his coffin will be carried through the streets in a funeral cortege. His remains will be laid in his childhood place of Qunu on Sunday 15 December.
Parliament met on Monday in Cape Town for a special session in honour of the late antiapartheid icon who is credited not only for fighting for his country's freedom from minority rule but also for reconciling the rainbow nation.
(C) Politico 10/12/13
