Zuma to unveil Mandela statue

Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma is due to unveil a statue of former president Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings, in Pretoria, on Monday.

"The unveiling, taking place just a day after the burial of the former president signals the start of celebrating and living the late Madiba’s legacy and the end of the mourning period," presidency spokesperson Mac Maharaj said on Sunday.

"The statue is expected to draw large numbers of people to the Union Buildings."

Monday, which is the Day of Reconciliation, also marks the commemoration of the centenary of the Union Buildings.

Last week, government said the bronze statue was 9m high.

Mandela died on 5 December at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, at the age of 95.

He was buried at his childhood village in Qunu on Sunday.

- SAPA