South Africa is preparing for the arrival of scores of world leaders as the official mourning continues for Nelson Mandela. Some 60 heads of state have confirmed their attendance at this week’s memorial events, including US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama....




They will be joined by former US Presidents George W Bush, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and their wives. Prime Minister David Cameron will attend the main memorial service on Tuesday, while Prince Charles will represent Britain at Sunday’s state funeral. The leaders of France, Australia, Germany, Canada, Spain, Brazil and a host of other nations will also fly into the country. A large structure used for ceremonies is built at Mr Mandela's former home Celebrities, including Bono, Oprah Winfrey and Richard Branson are also expected to head to South Africa to pay their personal tributes to the man they considered a friend.

Later today, a special joint session of parliament will be held in Cape Town to allow South Africa’s politicians from all political parties to mark the passing of the nation’s first black president. President Jacob Zuma has urged the country to remember the values of peace and forgiveness that Mr Mandela lived by and uphold them. His sentiments were echoed by the anti-apartheid icon’s family who released a statement calling for South Africans to "keep the dream alive". On Tuesday, the focus will shift back to Johannesburg where a huge memorial service is due to take place at the FNB Stadium, the scene of Nelson Mandela’s last public appearance ahead of the 2010 World Cup Final.

A child lays flowers in Cape Town Some 80,000 people are expected to attend the event, including President Obama, his wife, Michelle, and other visiting dignitaries. From Wednesday, Mr Mandela’s body will "lie in state" Pretoria, at the Union Buildings where he governed as president between 1994 and 1999. A funeral cortege carrying the icon’s remains will pass through the capital daily until Friday, with South Africans being urged to line the streets to form a "guard of honour".

The state funeral will take place in Mr Mandela's ancestral homeland of Qunu in the Eastern Cape on Sunday. It is still not clear whether President Obama will still be in the country, but many other world leaders are expected to travel to the usually sleepy rural village to join Mr Mandela's family, friends and former comrades in bidding farewell to the revered statesman as he makes his final journey home.
source http://www.revealzones.com/2013/12/mandela-update-60-great-world-leaders.html

[b]More than 70 leaders expected for Mandela memorial, funeral
Reuters
By Ed Cropley 2 hours ago

(Blank Headline Received)
.

View gallery
A man looks at a sculpture of South Africa's former president Nelson Mandela on the South Bank in …

By Ed Cropley

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - More than 70 world leaders from U.S. President Barack Obama to Iran's Hassan Rouhani are flying to South Africa for events commemorating Nelson Mandela this week, an unprecedented gathering that will hail one of humanity's great peacemakers.

Cuban leader Raul Castro, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe and Britain's David Cameron will also join what is set to be one of the biggest meetings of global dignitaries in recent history on Tuesday at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium, the foreign ministry said on Monday.

The 95,000-seat stadium in Soweto, the township that was at the heart of the anti-apartheid struggle, will host the main memorial ceremony for Mandela, who died on Thursday aged 95.

It was the site of Mandela's last public appearance, when he waved to fans from the back of a golf cart at the final of the 2010 soccer World Cup.

"The whole world is coming to South Africa," foreign ministry spokesman Clayson Monyela said, playing down concerns about organising logistics and security for such a large event with only five days notice following Mandela's death.

Mandela, South Africa's first black president, passed away peacefully in the company of his family on Thursday after a long battle with a lung infection, plunging his 52 million compatriots and millions more around the world into grief.

"We're obviously not starting from scratch in terms of organisation," Monyela said. "We've got a system that kicks into play whenever you've got events of this magnitude."

Since his death, South Africa has been gripped by an outpouring of emotion unrivalled since Mandela's release from 27 years in apartheid prisons in 1990, and his victory in the first all-race elections four years later.

On Sunday, worshippers filled churches, mosques, synagogues and community halls, offering praise and prayers for a man celebrated as "Father of the Nation" and a global beacon of integrity, rectitude and reconciliation.

Tributes have flowed in from around the world.

"The fact that international leaders are making their way to South Africa at such short notice reflects the special place President Mandela holds in the hearts of people around the globe," Presidency Minister Collins Chabane said.

After Tuesday's event, Mandela's remains will lie in state for three days at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where he was sworn in as President in 1994. He will then be buried on December 15 in Qunu, his ancestral home in the Eastern Cape province.

But only "very few" world leaders will attend the Qunu funeral, Monyela said, adding the idea was to keep this event more a family affair.[/b]

MORE LOVE FROM ASIA. CHINA AND INDIA SHOWING US LOVE.

wish fidel castro was ALIVE. TWO GREAT FRIENDS MEETING.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/09/world/africa/nelson-mandela-memorial/

Nelson Mandela death: 91 world leaders head to South Africa to honor titan
By Holly Yan, CNN
updated 4:06 AM EST, Mon December 9, 2013

91 heads of state are coming to South Africa to honor Nelson Mandela
Four U.S. presidents will attend, as well as the U.N. secretary-general
A state funeral will take place Sunday

[b]Send us your stories, memories and photographs of the Nobel Peace prize winner and former South African president.

(CNN) -- More than 90 heads of state are on their way to South Africa for what is expected to be the largest gathering of world leaders in Africa's history.

It's a clear sign of what kind of impact Nelson Mandela left on the world.

Mandela, the activist who spent 27 years in prison before becoming his country's first black president, died Thursday at the age of 95.

U.S. President Barack Obama heads to Johannesburg on Monday for Mandela's official memorial service, which will take place Tuesday in the city's soccer stadium. But the 90,000 seats probably won't be enough to house the many mourners wanting to pay thanks to the great anti-apartheid leader.
The evolution of Nelson Mandela The evolution of Nelson Mandela
Pres. Obama reflects on Mandela's impact
Ex-wife: We interacted through prison bars
The five lives of Nelson Mandela

A state funeral will be held Sunday in Mandela's ancestral hometown of Qunu in the Eastern Cape province.

At least 91 heads of state and 10 former heads of state have said they're coming to South Africa this week, government international relations spokesman Clayson Monyela said.

In addition to Obama, former presidents Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton will attend. More than two dozen U.S. lawmakers are also scheduled to attend.

Other guests include the Prince of Wales, British Prime Minister David Cameron and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, as well as celebrities such as Bono, Oprah Winfrey and Naomi Campbell.

South African President Jacob Zuma, who announced Mandela's death Thursday, referred to Mandela by his well-known clan name Sunday as he asked churchgoers to remember the former president's values.

"When I say we pray for the nation, (it) is that we should pray for us not to forget some of the values that Madiba stood for, that he fought for, that he sacrificed his life for," he said. "He stood for freedom. He fought against those who oppressed others. He wanted everyone to be free."

In a suburb of Pretoria, parishioners said they were grateful for the man who saved them from revenge.

"His presence in our lives meant so much for the Afrikaaner people, allowed them to get rid of their guilt feelings and to participate in the journey that he invited us to join," Wilhelm Jordaan said.

Once again, Mandela has brought the country together.

READ: Nelson Mandela's death sparks global response

READ: Prayers, songs for Nelson Mandela at services in South Africa

CNN's Chris Cuomo, Kim Norgaard, Robin Curnow, Arwa Damon and David McKenzie contributed to this report[/b]

(CNN) -- More than 90 heads of state are on their way to South Africa for what is expected to be the largest gathering of world leaders in Africa's history.

It's a clear sign of what kind of impact Nelson Mandela left on the world

[b]
World leaders and celebrities to fly to South Africa for Nelson Mandela memorials

Friday 06 December 2013


World leaders, dignitaries and celebrities from around the world are preparing to fly to South Africa to take part in memorials for Nelson Mandela.
Ads by Google

The state funeral will be held on December 15, appropriately on the eve of South Africa’s Day of Reconciliation, but world leaders are expected to attend events held next week.

Celebrities are also clearing their diaries so that they can take part in the ceremonies at which Mandela will be remembered and celebrated.

Political leaders will include President Barack Obama who will fly with his wife, Michelle, White House spokesman Jay Carney said, to “pay their respects to the memory of Nelson Mandela”. Bill Clinton hopes to join him and other former US presidents could also make the trip.

The full cast of statesmen and women is still to be confirmed but few will want to miss being seen mourning one of the twentieth century’s greatest figures. David Cameron is planning to fly out early next week, as are Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband.

The Queen or the Prince of Wales are expected to travel to South Africa, though it remains unclear which event they will attend.

Other public figures expected to take part in memorial events Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, U2’s Bono, and Oprah Winfrey, the chat show host.

A series of events will be held next week, with one of the biggest being an official memorial at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, where Mandela appeared for the closing ceremony of the 2010 World Cup.

His body will lie in state in Pretoria from Wednesday to Friday before the state funeral and burial at Mandela’s home village of Qunu on December 15.

A national day of prayer and reflection has been declared for Sunday. President Jacob Zuma said: "We call upon all our people to gather in halls, churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and in their homes for prayer services and meditation, reflecting on the life of Madiba and his contribution to our country and the world."
[/b]

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SINGERS BONO OF U2 WILL BE HERE TOMORROW.

JIGGA WILL BE HERE.

SPORTS STARS AND CELEBS.
MANDELA=SYMBOL OF HOPE FOR THE WORLD. TIGER WOODS SAYS HE FELT THE "MANDELA MAGIC".

LENNOX LEWIS AND TATA.

fidel castro is still alive.. he isnt dead.. op

Thanx for the info. We are young and not POLITISIZED. Didn't know he was alive. Last time I checked he was very ill
I A BIG FAN OF FIDEL CASTRO, CHE GUEVARA AND SANKARA,NKRUMAH AND BIKO .

topsyking: fidel castro is still alive.. he isnt dead.. op

[b]
After Mandela: World Fight Against White Supremacy Continues


By Dr. Wilmer J. Leon, III

NEWS ANALYSIS

(TriceEdneyWire.com) – Former South African President Mandela has passed. The world has lost another point on its compass of morality.

The dominant narrative is of a docile and passive man. A man who, according to President Obama’s remarks, “we draw strength from the example of renewal and reconciliation and resilience that you (Mandela) made real.” What is missing from this narrative is the reality of the warrior, the revolutionary.

The African National Congress (ANC) took up arms against the South African Government in 1961. According to the ANC, “The massacre of peaceful protestors and the subsequent banning of the ANC made it clear that peaceful protest alone would not force the regime to change. The ANC went underground and continued to organize secretly. Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) was formed to “hit back by all means within our power in defence of our people, our future and our freedom. In 18 months MK carried out 200 acts of sabotage.”

Nelson Mandela was involved in the armed struggle to free his people, his country from the grip of White supremacist rule. That is why he faced the death by hanging and was sentenced to life in prison.

It’s imperative that as we honor Madiba we don’t lose sight of the fact that his struggle, the ANC’s struggle, the struggle for liberty and human rights in South Africa and for people of color all over the world has and continues to take place within the larger context of the global system of White supremacy.

That’s why for example when you read President Obama’s Nobel Prize acceptance speech, he said that he was mindful of what Martin Luther King said in this same ceremony years ago – “Violence never brings permanent peace. It solves no social problem: it merely creates new and more complicated ones…I know there is nothing weak -nothing passive – nothing naïve – in the creed and lives of Gandhi and King. But as a head of state sworn to protect and defend my nation, I cannot be guided by their examples alone.” He was speaking as the President of the most powerful military imperial hegemon in the world. The not so subtle undertone of that passage is that even as the first African-American president he was swearing to use all of the military force he commands in order to defend and protect “US interests” any place he deems necessary.

Notice also, that during that speech, Mr. Mandela’s name was only mentioned once, almost in passing. “Compared to some of the giants of history who have received this prize – Schweitzer and King; Marshall and Mandela – my accomplishments are slight.” Why? Because Nelson Mandela was a true revolutionary, a freedom fighter and president Obama could never align himself with that part of Mr. Mandela’s reality.

It’s a great thing that Nelson Mandela became the first Black African democratically elected president of South Africa. This must also be put into context. He was not a perfect president. Many will argue that he cut a bad deal. That is not for me to judge.

Before he was elected president there were approximately 4 million socially, economically, and politically disenfranchised Black South Africans. During his presidency there were millions of socially, economically, and politically disenfranchised Black South Africans, as there are still today. I do recognize that this is partially due to the fact that even as the democratically elected president of South Africa he did not control the natural resources of his country; he did not control the military, and did not control the factors that impacted its economy. That’s the reality of being the first Black president within the greater context of a white supremacist power structure.

As President Obama expresses Americas condolences to the Mandela family and the people of South Africa, he should also apologize to them for the CIA’s involvement in the initial arrest of Mr. Mandela. He should apologize to them for President Reagan’s policy of Constructive Engagement. Reagan’s vetoing legislation and blocking attempts by the United Nations to impose sanctions and to isolate South Africa.

Madiba was a principled warrior. During the June 21, 1990 Town Hall Meeting in Harlem – Ken Adelman from the Institute of Contemporary Studies asked Mr. Mandela about his relationships with Yasser Arafat, Col. Gaddafi, and Fidel Castro and tried to get him to renounce his association with them. Mr. Mandela responded, “One of the mistakes many political analysts made is to think that their enemies should be our enemies. That we can’t and will never do. We are an independent organization engaged in our own struggle. Our attitude towards any country is determined by that country’s attitude toward our struggle…Yasser Arafat, Col. Gaddafi, and Fidel Castro support our struggle to the hilt. Not only with rhetoric but by placing resources at our disposal for us to win our struggle.”

It’s interesting to note that in 1960 when Fidel Castro came to America he went to Harlem. Months after Madiba was released from prison he came to America and visited Harlem as well.

During the same meeting Mr. Mandela also said to Henry Siegman from The American Jewish Congress “We identify with the PLO because just like ourselves they are fighting for the right of self-determination.” Madiba demonstrated in those exchanges that was not going to be bullied by outside interests and take positions that were not based on principle and contrary to the stated mission of the ANC. Many individuals in positions of “leadership” within the African American community would be well served to follow President Mandela’s example. There’s a lot to said for and gained by sticking to principle.

Facing death by hanging at his 1964 trial for treason in Pretoria, South Africa Mr. Mandela said, “During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people…I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve…But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

I submit that contrary to President Obama’s observations, most people who truly understand the arc of Madiba’s life really draw strength from the example of renewal and reconciliation and resilience that Madiba made real as a principled warrior and uncompromising guerilla fighter. The revolutionary who was willing to die for the freedom of his people.

http://seattlemedium.com/after-mandela-world-fight-against-white-supremacy-continues/[/b]

[b]Freedom Fighter Madiba: Let's Not Forget The Mandela Who Prepared To Defeat Apartheid With Arms
By Dr Wilmer J ...December 06,2013


Mandela knew defeating Apartheid was no tea party. In 1962 he received brief military training in Algeria and in Ethiopia

[Tribute To A Freedom Fighter]

Former South African President Mandela has passed.

The world has lost another point on its compass of morality.

The dominant narrative is of a docile and passive man. A man who, according to President Obama’s remarks, “we draw strength from the example of renewal and reconciliation and resilience that you (Mandela) made real.” What is missing from this narrative is the reality of the warrior, the revolutionary.

The African National Congress (ANC) took up arms against the South African Government in 1961:

"The massacre of peaceful protestors and the subsequent banning of the ANC made it clear that peaceful protest alone would not force the regime to change. The ANC went underground and continued to organise secretly. Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) was formed to 'hit back by all means within our power in defence of our people, our future and our freedom'In 18 months MK carried out 200 acts of sabotage. But the underground organisation was no match for the regime, which began to use even harsher methods of repression. Laws were passed to make death the penalty for sabotage and to allow police to detain people for 90 days without trial. in 1963, police raided the secret headquarters of MK, arresting the leadership. This led to the Rivonia Trial where the leaders of MK were charged with attempting to cause a violent revolution."

Nelson Mandela was involved in the armed struggle to free his people, his country from the grip of white supremacist rule. That is why he faced death by hanging and was instead sentenced to life in prison.

It’s imperative that as we honor Madiba we don’t lose sight of the fact that his struggle, the ANC’s struggle, the struggle for liberty and human rights in South Africa and for people of color all over the world has and continues to take place within the larger context of the global system of white supremacy.

That’s why for example when you read President Obama’s Nobel Prize acceptance speech, he said, that he was mindful of what Martin Luther King said in this same ceremony years ago - "Violence never brings permanent peace. It solves no social problem: it merely creates new and more complicated ones…I know there is nothing weak -nothing passive - nothing naïve - in the creed and lives of Gandhi and King. But as a head of state sworn to protect and defend my nation, I cannot be guided by their examples alone.”

He was speaking as the President of the most powerful military imperial hegemon in the world. The not so subtle undertone of that passage is that even as the first African American president he was swearing to use all of the military force he commands in order to defend and protect “US interests” any place he deems necessary.

Notice also, that during that speech, Mr. Mandela’s name was only mentioned once, almost in passing: “Compared to some of the giants of history who have received this prize - Schweitzer and King; Marshall and Mandela - my accomplishments are slight.”

Why? Because Obama knew Nelson Mandela was a true revolutionary, a freedom fighter and he could never align himself with that part of Mr. Mandela’s reality.

It’s a great thing that Nelson Mandela became the first Black African democratically elected president of South Africa. This must also be put into context. He was not a perfect president. Many will argue that he cut a bad deal. That is not for me to judge.

Before he was elected president there were approximately 4 million socially, economically, and politically disenfranchised Black South Africans. During his presidency there were millions of socially, economically, and politically disenfranchised Black South Africans, as there are still today. I do recognize that this is partially due to the fact that even as the democratically elected president of South Africa he did not control the natural resources of his country; he did not control the military, and did not control the factors that impacted its economy. That’s the reality of being the first Black president within the greater context of a white supremacist power structure.

As President Obama expresses Americas condolences to the Mandela family and the people of South Africa, he should also apologize to them for the CIA’s involvement in the initial arrest of Mr. Mandela. He should apologize to them for President Reagan’s policy of Constructive Engagement. Reagan’s vetoing legislation and blocking attempts by the United Nations to impose sanctions and to isolate South Africa.

Madiba was a principled warrior.

During the June 21, 1990 Town Hall Meeting in Harlem – Ken Adelman from the Institute of Contemporary Studies asked Mr. Mandela about his relationships with Yasser Arafat, Col. Gaddafi, and Fidel Castro and tried to get him to renounce his association with them. Mr. Mandela responded, “One of the mistakes many political analysts made is to think that their enemies should be our enemies. That we can’t and will never do. We are an independent organization engaged in our own struggle. Our attitude towards any country is determined by that country’s attitude toward our struggle…Yasser Arafat, Col. Gaddafi, and Fidel Castro support our struggle to the hilt. Not only with rhetoric but by placing resources at our disposal for us to win our struggle.”

It’s interesting to note that in 1960 when Fidel Castro came to America he went to Harlem. Months after Madiba was released from prison he came to America and visited Harlem as well.

During the same meeting Mr. Mandela also said to Henry Siegman from The American Jewish Congress “We identify with the PLO because just like ourselves they are fighting for the right of self-determination.” Madiba demonstrated in those exchanges that was not going to be bullied by outside interests and take positions that were not based on principle and contrary to the stated mission of the ANC. Many individuals in positions of “leadership” within the African American community would be well served to follow President Mandela’s example. There’s a lot to said for and gained by sticking to principle.

Facing death by hanging at his 1964 trial for treason in Pretoria, South Africa Mr. Mandela said, “During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people…I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve…But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

I submit that contrary to President Obama’s observations, most people who truly understand the arc of Madiba’s life really draw strength from the example of renewal and reconciliation and resilience that Madiba made real as a principled warrior and uncompromising guerilla fighter. The revolutionary who was willing to die for the freedom of his people.
[/b]


Dr. Wilmer Leon
- See more at: http://www.blackstarnews.com/global-politics/africa/freedom-fighter-madiba-lets-not-forget-the-mandela-who-prepared-to-defeat#sthash.Sqi9nqhz.dpuf

http://www.blackstarnews.com/global-politics/africa/freedom-fighter-madiba-lets-not-forget-the-mandela-who-prepared-to-defeat

The largest gathering of world leaders was at Pope John Paul II's funeral.

LETS NOT FORGET ALGERIA AND ALGERIANS.

AwodwaGyanOniwe: wish fidel castro was ALIVE. TWO GREAT FRIENDS MEETING.

Where u the one that killed Fidel?

I will not stop to your LEVEL and entertain Nigerian mentality.
Im not suprised by your post by the way. TYPICAL Nigerian.

MR. WHINNIG:
Where u the one that killed Fidel?

TRUE FRIENDS TILL DEATH.

BABA MADIBAS QUOTES!!What a man

PEOPLE WE NEED A "NEW THREAD FOR THE BIGGEST GATHERING OF WORLD LEADERS IN THE 21 CENTURY".

THE BIGGEST GATHERING OF WORLD LEADERS FOR ONE MAN. Baba Mandela's Memorial is BIGGER THAN POPE JOHN PAUL'S II (71 heads of state attended).

[b] More than 100 heads of state and government -- current and past -- as well as scores of celebrities and heads of international organisations have confirmed their presence at a memorial ceremony for former South African president Nelson Mandela, who died last week aged 95.

"By noon today, 91 heads of state and 10 former heads of state confirmed they will attend the memorial at FNB Stadium" on Tuesday, Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane told the SAPA news agency.

Only Britain's Prince Charles has so far announced his presence at the funeral itself, to be held Sunday in the southern village of Qunu where Mandela spent his childhood.

The following are among those who have confirmed their presence at Tuesday's event:

Leaders

US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. Three predecessors, Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, along with Secretary of State and former first lady Hillary Clinton, will also be present.
French President Francois Hollande, accompanied by his predecessor Nicolas Sarkozy.
British Prime Minister David Cameron
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff
President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmud Abbas
Cuban President Raul Castro
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan
Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Afghan President Hamid Karzai
Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki
Indian President Pranab Mukherjee
German President Joachim Gauck
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati
Chinese Vice President Liu Yuanchao
Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid
Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Royals

British Prince Charles
The King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander
Crown Prince of Denmark Frederik
Crown Prince Haakon of Norway
Saudi Prince and Second Deputy Prime Minister Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud
Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito

International organisations

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
Chair of the African Union Commission Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
European Union President Herman van Rompuy
Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari, Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi and ex-Irish president Mary Robinson will represent the group called The Elders, founded by Mandela in 2007.

Celebrities

US talk show hostess Oprah Winfrey, singer and activist Bono, British singer Peter Gabriel and British magnate Richard Branson are among the stars attending the ceremony.

The absent

The Dalai Lama, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (THANX GOD HES NOT HERE), father of the Cuban revolution Fidel Castro.
[/b]