Mandela’s body taken to Pretoria 1 Military Hospital Former South Africa President Nelson Mandela’s body has been taken to 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria. South African President Jacob Zuma announced a 10-day mourning period that will include a huge December 10 memorial service attended by various heads of state. US President Barack Obama's office confirmed he would be among them. Three days of Mandela's body lying in state in Pretoria will follow, and then on December 15 a state funeral will take place to bury his remains in his birthtown of Qunu. Images