No official photo of Mandela’s

No official photo of Mandela’s body, says government and family

South African government says it is aware of the alleged existence of a picture of Mandela’s body lying in state and has called on the public not to view it or share it.

No official photo of Mandela’s

mournersGovernment and the Mandela family will not be releasing an official photograph of the late former President Nelson Mandela.

Madiba’s body has been lying in state at the Union Buildings until he makes his final journey to Qunu in the Eastern Cape on Saturday. The official funeral will be held on Sunday.

“Government is respecting the family’s wish that no photographs of President Mandela’s body be released,” said a statement issued by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Thursday.

Government said the lying-in-state at the Union Buildings was an opportunity for hundreds of thousands of South Africans to pay their last respects privately and people should observe this with decency and dignity.

“Government also asks people to show regard for the wishes and feelings of the Mandela family.”

Government cautioned the public that no photography was allowed as mourners file past the casket, which is being guarded by military personnel and Mandela’s eldest grandson Chief Mandla Mandela is keeping vigil a few feet away.

Taking photographs would violate the military protocol governing proceedings at the Union Buildings.

Government said it was aware of the alleged existence of a picture of Madiba lying in state. “If this content exists, government calls on people not to view it and to delete it from their timelines.”

It welcomed the way in which people on social platforms were expressing their disappointment and outrage at any circulation of such photographs.

— SAnews.gov.za