SOWETO, South Africa: Tens of thousands of grieving South Africans will sit side-by-side with presidents, priests, queens and sheikhs on Tuesday at a memorial service for unifying global icon Nelson Mandela.Close to 100 world leaders and 80,000 South Africans will gather at a stadium in Soweto -- the crucible of Mandela's anti-apartheid struggle -- to bid farewell to a man whose life story earned uncommon universal respect.

News of the prisoner-turned-president's death at his home in Johannesburg on Thursday resonated around the world, triggering a wave of loving admiration from political and religious leaders, some of whom agree on little else.

The presidents of the United States and Cuba are among those who will share a stage, pausing rivalries that date back to the Cold War to pay tribute as millions around the world look on.

The event is part of an extended state funeral that will culminate in Mandela's burial on Sunday in the rural village of Qunu where he spent his early childhood.A massive security operation will swing into place as South Africans grab their final chance to unite in a mass celebration of Mandela's life ahead of the more formal lying in state.

The Indian and Brazilian presidents will also speak, reflecting the extraordinary global reach, popularity and influence of one of the 20th century's towering political figures.

Four of Mandela's grandchildren will speak for his family, while neither his widow, Graca Machel, nor his ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela are listed on the programme.

Sourc: India Times