World leaders gather in South Africa for Mandela memorial

Logistically, Monyela said it was a tough task but government was up to the challenge in ensuring that everything goes according to plan.

Four of the biggest stadiums in Johannesburg have been mobilised to cater to the memorial service, with the FNB Stadium expected to be filled up hours before the start at 11 am (local time), he said.

Proceedings will be broadcast live to the other stadiums and to 90 more public venues across the country, as well as on television internationally.

The South African Parliament today paid tribute to Mandela with both the Assembly benches and the public gallery was packed to capacity when Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe took to the podium to open the tributary speeches.  

Mandela's grandson Ndaba Mandela represented his family at the sitting.

Authorities have mobilised around 11,000 security personnel to ensure security during the service.  

Some leaders are expected to travel to Mandela's rural childhood village of Qunu for his funeral service and burial on December 15.