The Giant arena in Mandela's back yard that will house the biggest funeral in history

Preparations: Work continues on a massive arena on the property of former South African President Nelson Mandela ahead of his state burial service on Sunday, in Qunu

It is not yet clear who will attend the private funeral. It is understood that world leaders, particularly those with large entourages and special security needs, have been encouraged to attend the memorial in Johannesburg instead

A giant arena is being built in view of Nelson Mandela's home to stage the biggest funeral in South Africa's history for him.

Final preparations are being made before more than 70 world leaders fly in this week to attend a series of events to mark the extraordinary life of one of humanity's great peacemakers.

They include Cuban leader Raul Castro and Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe who could rub shoulders with British Prime Minister David Cameron and Prince Charles in an unprecedented gathering.

Iran's Hassan Rouhani will also be among the heads of state flying in to commemorate Mr Mandela, as will U.S. President Barack Obama and former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter.

However, the Dalai Lama will not attend memorial services for his fellow Nobel Peace Prize laureate in South Africa, where he has twice been unable to obtain a visa.

A spokesman did not say why the Buddhist spiritual leader is missing the memorial service in Johannesburg and funeral in Mandela's hometown.

He said only that 'logistically it's impossible at this time.'

South Africa blocked the Dalai Lama from attending a Nobel laureates' peace conference in 2009, and stalled on a 2011 visa until the Tibetan leader withdrew the application.

Today, South Africa's parliament begun a special session honouring the nation's former leader.

The session began in Cape Town, with an announcement that members of Mandela's family were sitting in the gallery. 

Kgalema Motlanthe, South Africa's deputy president, began the proceedings with a speech. He described how Mandela's influence in South Africa and around the globe caused a 'sweeping feeling of sorrow' worldwide following his death. 

Motlanthe said: 'He belongs to all humanity. ... Mandela's ideals saturate the face of the Earth.' 

Tomorrow's event is set to be one of the biggest meetings of global dignitaries in recent history at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium, South Africa's foreign ministry said today.

The 95,000-seat stadium in Soweto, the township that was at the heart of the anti-apartheid struggle, will host the main memorial ceremony for Mandela, who died on Thursday aged 95.

It was the site of Mandela's last public appearance, when he waved to fans from the back of a golf cart at the final of the 2010 soccer World Cup.

Members of the Kaiser Chiefs football club arrive at the home of former South African President Nelson Mandela to pay their respects

A child waves as he passes a mural depicting the late Nelson Mandela, in Soweto, near Johannesburg

Vendors set out their wares as thousands of people continue to visit the home former South African President Nelson Mandela to pay their respects to Mandela's family