French President to attend Mandela’s memorial service

Paris, France (PANA) – French President François Hollande is expected Tuesday in Johannesburg, South Africa, to attend Nelson Mandela’s memorial service, PANA has learnt from official sources here.

He’ll be accompanied by his predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy.

Seventy Heads of State, among whom are US President Barack Obama and several other personalities, are expected to attend the service.

President Hollande has said that even if Mandela is no longer among us, “his message will continue to live and inspire the new generations.”

"Nelson Mandela will always be the figure around whom men and women who struggle for their rights would like to gather. He’ll always be a reference for those who have not finished struggling against racism, discrimination, intolerance and injustice," he said.

A memorial service will take place at the Soweto stadium Tuesday before the remains of the late former South African president are exposed at the Presidency in Pretoria from 11 to 13 December 2013.

The burial is scheduled to take place at Qunu, Mandela’s home town, on 15 December.
-0- PANA NA/VAO 9Dec2013