The South African government says that includes all living American presidents — except George H.W. Bush — as well as 26 members of Congress.
"The fact that international leaders are making their way to South Africa at such short notice reflects the special place President Mandela holds in the hearts of people around the globe," Collins Chabane, a presidential minister, .
President Obama, , will be in South Africa for Tuesday's memorial service. NBC adds:
"On Tuesday, the official memorial service for Mandela will be held at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, also known as the Soccer City stadium, the site of the 2010 World Cup final. This will be attended by members of the public and by the Obamas and a number of other visiting heads of state and government, though Chabane said the list of world leaders that would attend had not yet been finalized. The White House confirmed the Obamas' attendance in an email Saturday evening.
"Mandela's body will lie in state in an open casket at the Union Buildings, the official seat of the South African government, from Wednesday through Friday, with viewing open to 'South Africans and selected international visitors and guests,' Chabane said."
