Authorities are this morning closing various roads around Qunu in the Eastern Cape, where the late former President Nelson Mandela’s body will be buried on Sunday.
It is in his home town that he will find his final resting place. Madiba’s body will be flown from Waterkloof Air Force Base on Saturday to Mthatha Airport or East London, depending on the weather from where it will depart for Qunu.
Government has called on residents and media in Qunu to make sure that the struggle icon is afforded a fitting send-off with smooth organisation. “This is a special moment in our country that imposes a number of unprecedented pressures on certain areas and infrastructure,” said a statement issued by the Government Communication and Information System.
The road closures will ensure that traffic is diverted away from the Qunu Operational Area.
Road control points and possible diversion will take place from Thursday at the following points:
- N2 – Ndabakazi to Tsomo / R61
- N2 – Idutywa to Engcobo / R61
- N2 – Engcobo Junction to Coghlan / R61
Normal vehicles will be diverted at:
- N2 – Bityi Junction to Buwa Halt / Elliotdale
- N2 – Viedgesville to Mqanduli / R61
- N2 – Shell Ultra City to R61
Trucks will be diverted at:
- N2 – Tsolo to Maclear / R396
- N2 – Shell Ultra City to R61
In Mthatha, city traffic is expected to be disrupted this afternoon and Friday morning for rehearsals.
On Saturday, the day on which the body of Madiba will arrive in the province, a procession will move through the city centre from 11.30am.
Residents and motorists are warned that all roads connecting to Sutherland, York and Nelson Mandela Drive will be restricted. People are advised to avoid these areas and seek alternative routes.
“They must avoid coming to the CBD during these times. People are encouraged not to use city-centre roads unless it is absolutely necessary,” said GCIS.
Further to this, the public are urged not to travel to to Qunu Farm for the burial, as there will be no public access to the funeral ceremony on Sunday.
Mourners are able to use the public mourning sites at the following places:
- Mthatha Rotary stadium
- Mthatha 2010 stadium
- Khaya Majola Stadium
- Tsolo Junction
- Lusikisiki College
- Port St Johns sports field
- Mvezo Village – Qunu
- Empa Villiage – Qunu
- Nkalane Villiage – Qunu
- Cofimvaba Stadium
- Sisa Dukashe
- Queenstown sports complex
- Lady Grey Kwezi Naledi Hall
- Miki Yili Stadium in Grahamstown
- Matatiele Stadium
- Nqadu Great Place
Accommodation in the area is a challenge and government advises visitors and mourners to contact the office of the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism agency at 043 701 9654/5 or visit the website www.visiteasterncape.co.za
“Government calls on communities in Mthatha and Qunu to support the preparations and show patience where this is required,” urged government. – SAnews.gov.za
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