With thousands of mourners expected, security has been beefed up.
Wikus Lategan‚ Group CEO of Calgro M3 Memorial Parks also indicated due to privacy they could not divulge security details suffice to say “it will not be compromised”.
“The preparations don’t differ much from the preparations of ordinary people. We just pride ourselves in giving a dignified funeral for people’s loved ones. It’s a tranquil‚ quiet and relaxed environment‚” Lategan said.
Lategan said that security and privacy were the key things that set them apart.
“We are always ready to host a funeral. The place is well maintained as cleanliness is a big thing for us‚” he said.
The park‚ which was formerly a flower farm‚ is the same place where her late great-granddaughter Zenani Mandela was buried in 2010 after being hit by a car.
Meanwhile, the family has invited South Africans to line the streets of Soweto as she goes to her home in Orlando for the last time.
ANC officials will also be at the house on Friday afternoon with thousands expected to attend the funeral on Saturday.
Madikizela-Mandela passed away last week at the age of 81.
She will be laid to rest in Fourways after a funeral service at the Orlando Stadium.
Madikizela-Mandela’s remains are expected to leave from the Kupane Funeral Parlour in Orlando East to her home around 2pm this afternoon.
The procession is expected to move from Sofasonke Street, cross over to Klipspruit Road and then pass through Khumalo Street.
It will then go through Mothipa Street before finally turning into Maseli Street towards Madikizela-Mandela’s home.
The Madikizela and Mandela families have asked South Africans to form a guard of honour along this route.
Family spokesperson Victor Dlamini says: “In fact, more than just South Africans, is to think about it, the whole of the African continent. Just come out with an extra-ordinary outpouring of love and support and the family is deeply grateful because you’ve just given them a sense of comfort.”
Later this evening, the ANC will hold a night vigil at the Orlando Community Hall from around 8pm.
Rest eternally in Peace mama. Amandla!
