Death and state funeral of Nelson Mandela
former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela dies at 95
On 5 December 2013, Nelson Mandela, the first president of South Africa to be elected in a fully representative democratic election, as well as the country's first black head of state, died at the age of 95 after a prolonged respiratory infection. He died at around 20:50 local time (UTC+2) at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, surrounded by family. His death was announced by President Jacob Zuma on national television at 23:45. Reactions from governments, international organisations, and notable individuals, gained worldwide media coverage.
South Africa observed a national mourning period of 10 days.
During this time numerous memorial services were conducted across the country. The official memorial service was held at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, on 10 December where the 95,000-seat stadium was two-thirds full because of the cold, rain, and transport challenges. Mandela's body lay in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria from 11 to 13 December. A state funeral was held on 15 December in Qunu in the Eastern Cape, where his body was buried.
Official funeral events
The South African government announced a period of 10 days of national mourning ending with the state funeral on 15 December 2013.
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