PRETORIA
Thousands of people on Wednesday queued outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the seat of the South African government, for a glimpse at late president Nelson Mandela.
The body of late national hero had arrived earlier in the morning from Military One Hospital.
Family members and visiting heads of state were the first to pay their final respects to the late statesman, who died late Thursday at the age of 95.
Thousands of people, meanwhile, queued to take their turn in viewing Mandela's body at the newly named Nelson Mandela Amphitheater.
Visitors, however, are not allowed to pause before the casket, said Pumla Williams, chief executive of the Government Communications Information Services.
Rather, they have to file past quickly to allow the maximum numbers of people to view the body.
At least 2,000 well-wishers are expected to view the body per hour.
No cameras or cellphones will be allowed.
The government, meanwhile, is providing free transportation to the venue from several areas.
Mandela's body will remain on display until Friday, although each evening it will be returned to Military One Hospital.
On Tuesday, thousands of people – including a galaxy of world leaders led by US President Barak Obama – attended Mandela's official memorial service.
By Moses Mudzwiti
