On 5 December 2013 the President of South Africa HEJacob Zuma announced the death of former President, Nelson Mandela. Her Majesty the Queen, the Prime Minister and other senior UK figures have offered their sincere condolences.
On 6 December 2013, President Zuma set out the main activities which will take place in South Africa during a national week of mourning from Sunday 8 December, including:
Sunday 8 December – a national day of prayer and reflection.
Tuesday 10 December – an official memorial ceremony will take place at the FNB Stadium, Soweto, Johannesburg.
Wednesday 11- Friday 13 December – former President Mandela will lie in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria and official memorial services will be held in all South African provinces and regions
Sunday 15 December – former President Mandela will be laid to rest in Qunu, Eastern Cape.
If you are visiting South Africa or intend to do so during this period of national mourning, you may experience some disruption to essential services, including travel disruption and possibly accommodation shortages, particularly in the Johannesburg, Pretoria and Eastern Cape areas.
Travelers are advised to liaise with their airline, travel agent and accommodation provider to check if your travel plans are affected. There are currently restrictions on various roads in Johannesburg around former President Mandela’s home and large crowds are gathered at Zoo Lake and Nelson Mandela Square which have been declared as official tribute zones.