{South Africa’s parliament is to meet to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela, as world leaders prepare for Tuesday’s memorial service.}<\/p>\n
The special sitting comes at the start of a week of commemorative events before a state funeral on 15 December.<\/p>\n
Some 60 world leaders are expected to attend either the funeral or a national memorial service on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
On Sunday, millions took part in a “day of prayer” to remember the country’s first black president. <\/p>\n
Over the next eight days, a series of events will commemorate the man who steered their country out of white-minority rule.<\/p>\n
US President Barack Obama, Francois Hollande of France and UK PM David Cameron will be among those attending Tuesday’s memorial at a Soweto stadium.<\/p>\n
On Saturday, Cuban state media announced that President Raul Castro would be one of those attending Mr Mandela’s funeral.<\/p>\n
Under Mr Castro’s brother Fidel, Cuba was a staunch critic of apartheid, and Mr Mandela had expressed gratitude for his support.
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