Madiba President Nelson Mandela at a Foundation gathering on Wednesday, March 12, 2008.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos
Mandela to attend opening ceremony
It has been confirmed that former South African leader Nelson Mandela will attend the opening ceremony of the World Cup finals on Friday.
Nelson Mandela is a poster boy for the World Cup (GettyImages)
Mandela is now 91 and his public appearances are limited, but a family member has stated the Nobel prize winner will be present at Soccer City, if only for a short period of time.
"He will come and greet the fans... before he retires to his home," Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela said. "We're trying to see how long he will stay at the stadium. At least 10 to 15 minutes."
Mandela helped bring the World Cup to South Africa and is a global icon thanks to his influential role in the fight against Apartheid, meaning his presence at the opening ceremony will be significant.
At the weekend, president Jacob Zuma said he hoped Mandela would make an appearance prior to the game between South Africa and Mexico.
"He would love to be there. Whether he will be there on the day depends entirely on the former president," said Zuma. "If he did not appear, we would understand. If he is there, it will be a bonus for this tournament. We wish he would be there."
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