Thousands braved the rain on Tuesday morning to attend the official memorial service for former president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium, South of Johannesburg.

Madiba (95) died at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, on Thursday.

The gates to the stadium were opened by security guards at 06:00 for the thousands of local and international members of media to enter.

While security seemed tight with thousands of police patrolling the grounds of the stadium, media entered the stadium without being searched as did the public. Several military helicopters hovered above the stadium.

Workers on Tuesday constructed a stage protected by bulletproof glass for the memorial service which started at 11:00. The Mandela family and politicians have arrived as well as celebrities such as Charlize Theron and Bono.

About 100 heads of state are expected at the 95 000-capacity FNB Stadium.

According to the programme,  US President Barack Obama will speak, as well UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao.

Others speakers include Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Cuban President Raul Castro. President Jacob Zuma will give the keynote address.

Programme: 

• Choir sings South Africa’s national anthem.
• Opening remarks and interfaith prayers.
• Speech by Mandela family friend Andrew Mlangeni.
• Speech by family member General Thanduxolo Mandela.
• Tributes by the former leader’s grandchildren Mbuso Mandela, Andile Mandela, Zozuko Dlamini and Phumla Mandela.
• Speech by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
• Speech by AU Commission Chair Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
• Speech by Obama.
• Speeches by presidents of Brazil, Chinese vice president, Namibia, India and Cuba.
• Keynote address by President Jacob Zuma.
• Sermon by Bishop Ivan Abrahams.