The coffin, which was moved to Union Buildings this morning, was draped in the South African flag. Union Buildings is the seat of power in the country's capital, and the place where the former leader was sworn in as president in 1994.

Members of the public formed a guard of honour as his coffin passed by fronted by a fleet of police outriders, at the start of what will be three days of mourning in the executive capital.

As the procession passed, mourners sang tributes to the former South African leader, who died last week at the age of 95.

Mandela's grandson Mandla and Defense Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula led mourners into the viewing area. Soldiers set down the coffin and removed the flag.

After the mourners left, four South African navy officers stood guard over the body.

Members of Mr Mandela's family and VIPs will pay their respects before the public are allowed in to view the body inside a glass-topped coffin.

The same procession around Pretoria will take place each morning until Friday, with the coffin being returned to the military hospital each evening.

With worries about crowds, three sites have been set up in Pretoria from where mourners will be shuttled in to the Union Buildings and back.

People have been told their mobile phones will have to be switched off and be put out of sight before they will be allowed to file past the body. No photos will be allowed.

The lying in state will end with Mr Mandela's remains being transported to the Eastern Cape and his ancestral home of Qunu at the weekend, ahead of the state funeral on Sunday.