By Andy Lines 1 Comment Nelson Mandela funeral plans revealed: Anti-apartheid hero's life would be commemorated at World Cup Final stadium.

The Daily Mirror has seen detailed plans covering the days which would follow the death of the former South African leader

Critical: But Nelson Mandela's condition has improved slightly

Nelson Mandela’s funeral will take place up to 12 days after he passes away because of the enormous organisational difficulties involved.
The Daily Mirror has seen detailed plans of the arrangements that would follow the death of the former South African leader.

They include a massive memorial service in the 94,000 seat football stadium which hosted the 2010 World Cup Final.
The South African government’s original plan was for Mr Mandela to be buried exactly 10 days after his death.But one source described the arrangements as a “logistical nightmare” so it could now be as many as 12 days later.
Among the other plans we discovered were:
* Mandela’s body is to be moved to a military hospital on the outskirts of Pretoria.
* Books of condolences to be opened at the Union Buildings in Pretoria and other cities.
* His body will be then left to lie in State for three days allowing members of the public to file past.
* He will then be buried in his home village in Qunu before 450 dignitaries and relatives.

Support: Family members carry flowers into Mediclinic Heart Hospital

Our source said: “The original plan was a strict ten-day affair with the memorial service on Day 5 and the funeral service on Day 10.

“But a little flexibility has now been included because we want every world leader who wants to attend to be able to do so.

“After Madiba dies his body will be transported reasonably quickly to One Military Hospital at Voortrekker Street on the outskirts of Pretoria.

“The hospital is run by the South African Military Health Service.
“Each Province will have their own memorial service but the main one will be in ‘Soccer City’ in Johannesburg where Spain won the 2010 World Cup.

“It is the biggest stadium in Africa and can hold 94,700 people and we are already working on plans on how to handle the distribution of tickets to the millions of people who will want to attend.”
Mandela’s condition was described as “critical but stable” yesterday and he remained on a life support machine at the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria.

 US President Barack Obama landed in South Africa last night on a tour of Africa amid speculation he will visit ailing Mr Mandela, 94, in hospital.
Speaking on Air Force One during the flight from Senegal, the US President was asked about the possibility of seeing Mr Mandela.

He replied: “We’ll see what the situation is. I don’t need a photo op and the last thing I want to do is to be in any way obtrusive at a time when the family is concerned with his condition.”
Earlier in the day at a press conference in Senegal, Mr Obama said: “I’ve had the privilege of meeting Madiba and speaking to him. He’s a personal hero but I don’t think I’m unique in that regard.
“If and when he passes from this place, one thing I think we’ll all know is that his legacy will linger on throughout the ages.”

In other developments.16 members of the Mandela family took legal action against Nelson’s eldest grandson Mandla Mandela.
They went to court to seek the exhumation and reburial of Nelson’s three children who pre-deceased him to allow the former President to be buried alongside them in his home village.
Mandla indicated that he would not be fighting the action and would permit the movement of the graves.