Thousands gather to mourn Sisulu
2003-05-17 08:28
Johannesburg - Mourners started gathering from the early hours on Saturday at
the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg for the funeral service
of African National Congress struggle hero, the late Walter Sisulu.
The service is scheduled to begin at 09:00, and around 50 000
people are expected to attend.
Among the early arrivals were Inkatha Freedom Party leader and
Home Affairs Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and Lesotho Prime
Minister Pakalitha Mosisili.
A private prayer service was still being held at the Sisulu
family residence in Orlando shortly after 8am, after which the
procession would make its way to the stadium.
Sisulu's close friend former president Nelson Mandela and
President Thabo Mbeki were expected to speak at the funeral.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mvume Dandala would oversee proceedings
at Orlando Stadium and Croesus Cemetery respectively.
Sisulu died at his home in Linden, Johannesburg on May 5. He was
one of many ANC leaders who fought for the end of apartheid, and
had spent years in prison with Mandela during the struggle.
He would have turned 91 on Sunday - the day after his burial.
Sisulu will be given a special state funeral, which was requested
by Mbeki, in recognition of his contribution to the building of a
non-racial, democratic South Africa.
- SAPA