Mourning Mandela to miss opening ceremony

Former president Nelson Mandela is to miss the World Cup opening ceremony after his great-granddaughter was killed in a car accident this morning.

"It would ... be inappropriate for him to personally attend the World Cup opening celebrations," the Nelson Mandela Foundation said in a statement on Friday morning.

Zenani Mandela, 13, died in an accident while returning from the World Cup concert.

"We are sure that South Africans and people all over the world will stand in solidarity with Mr Mandela and his family in the aftermath of this tragedy.

"We continue to believe that the World Cup is a momentous and historic occasion for SA and the continent and we are certain it will be a huge success. Madiba will be there with you in spirit today."