Mandela to have 12-day state memorial, funeral will be attended by all living US presidents, past and present.

Mandela to have 12-day state memorial, funeral will be attended by all living US presidents, past and present.(DM).

Elaborate funeral plans have been set in motion in South Africa following the death of the country’s revered first black president Nelson Mandela.

The 12-day state memorial is expected to be an unparalleled event in South Africa’s history, drawing a plethora of foreign dignitaries of every stripe, royals and a smattering of celebrities.

South African President Jacob Zuma ordered the nation's flags to be flown at half-mast beginning Friday and to remain that way until after Mandela's funeral, which is expected to be held next Saturday.

Desmond Tutu, a long-time friend of Mr Mandela and former archbishop of Cape Town is expected to hold the service, which will be attended by all living US presidents, past and present.

The White House said last night that President Barack Obama is expected to travel to South Africa to bid farewell to Mandela along with numerous other world leaders.

Counting himself among the millions influenced by Nelson Mandela, President Obama mourned the death of the anti-apartheid hero with whom he shares the distinction of being his nation's first black president.

'He no longer belongs to us. He belongs to the ages,' Obama said in a somber appearance at the White House. Several celebrities who had personal ties to the late great leader, such as Oprah Winfrey and U2 frontman Bono, are also expected to attend the service. Read the full story here.