PRETORIA, South Africa, Dec. 11 (LINA) - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says the aura of the Memorial Service and viewing of the body of global icon and campaigner of world peace and human rights, Nelson Mandela, should inspire world leaders and peoples of all nations to follow his exemplary deeds in the legacy he now leaves. The Liberian leader said she was honored to have been a part of the official events leading to the final burial of Mr. Nelson Mandela.According to a dispatch from South Africa, President Johnson-Sirleaf and Eminent Statesman Dr. Amos Sawyer were among leaders from around the world to view the mortal remains of the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, who passed away on December 5th, in his 95th year.The remains of Madiba as he is affectionately known around the world, is lying in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, at the Nelson Mandela Amphi-Theatre, for a three day period of public viewing which began Wednesday.The Liberian Leader was among the first set of world leaders joining President Jacob Zuma and the Family of the late Mandela to view the body and pay their last respects to the fallen anti-apartheid freedom fighter and South Africa’s first democratically-elected Black President..For his part, former Interim President Sawyer described the two-day official burial ceremonies of Mr. Mandela as events of historic proportions, noting that President Mandela transcended most leaders of not just today, but those of many centuries past. 
The renowned Liberian and African Statesman said it was a privilege for him to have been a part of the home-going events organized by the South African Government and people. Dr. Sawyer said the rich history of the African National Congress (ANC) and the role of Mr. Mandela, as recounted by South African President Jacob Zuma during the official reception for world leaders, was one he had hoped Liberian children could get to hear to emulate.Meanwhile, The State Funeral will take place on Sunday, December 15, at Madiba’s ancestral village of Qunu, Eastern Cape – a seven-hour drive from Pretoria – which the 80 to 100 Heads of State expected are not obliged to attend as the village does not have the necessary facilities to accommodate everyone and their entourage.
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