Day of 'prayer and reflection' in South Africa for Mandela
South African president Jacob Zuma has lead tributes to Nelson Mandela at a church service in Johannesburg. Mandela's funeral will take place on Sunday 15th December in Qunu, Eastern Cape.
Czech PM 'dreading' Mandela funeral
The Czech prime minister has apologised after he was recorded saying he was "dreading" having to attend Nelson Mandela's funeral in South Africa next Sunday.
Jiri Rusnok's conversation with his defence minister Vlastimil Picek was broadcast by the country's public TV news channel.
Mr Rosnok said he had other plans for next weekend, a lunch and a dinner, and that a South Africa trip would be "too long." He said:
"I am dreading that I will have to go."
His comments prompted furious reaction on social media from inside the Czech Republic. He apologised in a statement to the Associated Press this evening. He said:
"It was not right to use such terms in connection with the death of Nelson Mandela."
He said it will be decided in the next few days who will represent the Czech Republic at Mr Mandela's funeral on December 15.
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Nelson Mandela's first ever TV interview in 1961
Nelson Mandela's first ever television interview was given to ITN reporter Brian Widlake in May 1961.
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Sir Trevor McDonald on historic Mandela interview
Former ITV News presenter Sir Trevor McDonald was the first journalist to interview Nelson Mandela after his release from prison in 1990.
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Nelson Mandela's journey from prisoner to president
Nelson Mandela was a towering figure of utter integrity who will be remembered as the greatest African.