In pictures: South Africa prepares for Nelson Mandela's funeral

South African government announced that preparations for the funeral of former president Nelson Mandela are in full swing. Mandela's body is being prepared by the Military Health Service of the South African National Defense Force to lie in state at the Union Buildings.Works are also underway at various venues such as the Union Buildings in Pretoria, FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, Mthatha and Qunu in the Eastern Cape, and at ports of entry to prepare for the events related to the State Funeral.

Mandela's death will be an almost unprecedented global event, with every living US president, the British prime minister and other world leaders expected to attend his funeral. International broadcasters have drawn up so-called 'M-plans', staking out locations, pre-booking hotels and transport, and signing up pundits for the occasion

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