Dignitaries and family of Nelson Mandela arrived at the Union Buildings in the South African capital Pretoria to view his body as it lies in state.
Celebrities like Bono and Naomi Campbell were among those in attendance.
Earlier, well wishers stood along the streets dancing and cheering as the hearse carrying his body drove past.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SOUTH AFRICAN WOMAN, NARE MANGOALE, SAYING:
"Madiba he made a very difference in our lives because nowadays many things in this world, he actually made change in this world. We love you Madiba."
Mandela's death last Thursday at the age of 95 sparked an outpouring of grief and mourning in the country.
His body will lie in state for three days at the Union Buildings - the seat of South African government and the location of his inauguration in 1994 after becoming the country's first black president and ending decades of white minority rule.
Mandela will be buried on Sunday in his ancestral home abou
