Johannesburg – People have started entering the FNB Stadium where former president Nelson Mandela’s memorial will be held.

A large crowd was singing and blowing whistles earlier, while waiting for the gates to open.

“Agenda ya makapitali asiyifune ya bulala u Madiba [Agenda of capitalists we do not want it, it killed Madiba],” they sang.

Aphiwe Mkhalani from Soweto said he woke up early to be among the first into the stadium.

“It is sad that Tata is no more, though he was no longer active he had done a lot for us. South Africa is a better country because of him,” he said.

He said Mandela would be remembered for his values of love and peace.

“I will always remember him as a great man of peace.”

Phillip Kganyago from Sasolburg in the Free State said he would remember Mandela as a man of peace and reconciliation.

“He was a freedom fighter. He knew that you have to surrender or fight. He opted to fight to free South Africa.”

Other people were standing under trees and other under umbrellas to shield themselves from the rain.

Yellow ANC posters with Mandela raising a clinched fist with words, “We love you Madiba 1918-2013”, were put on the fence around the stadium.

In the stadium flags were flying at half mast.

Police are controlling access into the stadium and marshals dressed in orange coat took their positions.

Friends, colleagues, comrades and family of Nelson Mandela are invited to share their memories and tributes, and to light a candle for him, on his profile at Remembered.co.za.

SAPA