mandela to be buried in his backyard

The giant arena in Mandela's back yard that will house the biggest funeral in history

giant arena is being built in view of Nelson Mandela's home to stage the biggest funeral in South Africa's history for him.Final preparations are being made before more than 70 world leaders fly in this week to attend a series of events to mark the extraordinary life of one of humanity's great peacemakers.
They include Cuban leader Raul Castro and Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe who could rub shoulders with British Prime Minister David Cameron and Prince Charles in an unprecedented gathering.
Iran's Hassan Rouhani will also be among the heads of state flying in to commemorate Mr Mandela, as will U.S. President Barack Obama and former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter.

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Preparations: Work continues on a massive arena on the property of former South African President Nelson Mandela ahead of his state burial service on Sunday, in Qunu

Ministers have had to play down fears that events to mark Mr Mandela¿s death could descend into chaos, as it was revealed some key details have yet to be arranged

It is not yet clear who will attend the private funeral. It is understood that world leaders, particularly those with large entourages and special security needs, have been encouraged to attend the memorial in Johannesburg instead

However, the Dalai Lama will not attend memorial services for his fellow Nobel Peace Prize laureate in South Africa, where he has twice been unable to obtain a visa.
A spokesman did not say why the Buddhist spiritual leader is missing the memorial service in Johannesburg and funeral in Mandela's hometown.
He said only that 'logistically it's impossible at this time.'
South Africa blocked the Dalai Lama from attending a Nobel laureates' peace conference in 2009, and stalled on a 2011 visa until the Tibetan leader withdrew the application