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3 former PMs will accompany Harper to pay final respects to Mandela

South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela raises his arms as he is acknowledged by the Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and other members of Parliament in Ottawa, June 18, 1990. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Chartrand.
South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela raises his arms as he is acknowledged by the Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and other members of Parliament in Ottawa, June 18, 1990. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Chartrand.

The Prime Minister’s Office announced Saturday three former prime ministers will accompany Stephen Harper to South Africa to pay final respects to Nelson Mandela.

Harper will leave for Johannesburg on Sunday with a Canadian delegation that includes Jean Chretien, Kim Campbell, and Brian Mulroney, the PMO said.

WATCH: Former Prime Minister Jean Chretien remembers Nelson Mandela

“One of the world’s most respected political and moral leaders, Nelson Mandela was a model of humility, grace, and forgiveness who dedicated his life to the relentless pursuit of equality, justice and freedom for the people of South Africa,” said Prime Minister Harper in a prepared statement.

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READ MORE: Remembering Nelson Mandela’s historic 1990 visit to Canada

Harper will attend the public memorial for Mandela in Johannesburg on Dec.10 as well as the lying in state in Pretoria on Dec. 11.

A state funeral for the former South African president is scheduled for Dec. 15.

Canadians looking to honour Mandela can sign an online book of condolences.

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