Workers complete building of arena for Mandela's funeral in Qunu

QUNU, South Africa, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Preparations for former South African President Nelson Mandela's funeral at his family farm are complete, a family spokesman said Thursday.

"At the moment, we are just awaiting for safety engineers to inspect the tent and issue a safety certificate," family spokesman Bantu Holomisa said. "We are hoping that the weather can clear today or tomorrow but we are happy with the work on the ground."

The weather is expected to clear by the funeral, set for Sunday.

Despite the consistent rain in the village of Qunu, workers have completed building an arena, which is expected to accommodate 4,000 guests, SAnews.gov.za reported.

The arena overlooks the Mandela residence and is just a few feet away from where Mandela will be buried.

Workers Thursday tested sound equipment and caterers arrived.

Police and military personnel surround the residence and have been searching every vehicle.