The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has received strong international interest from broadcasters looking to secure radio frequency spectrum licences to cover Nelson Mandela's funeral.
Mandela's passing has dominated local and international headlines, and broadcasters are making provisions to cover proceedings throughout the week.
The official memorial service will take place at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday, with numerous heads of states expected to attend.
ICASA spokesperson Paseka Maleka says more licence applications were anticipated as the memorial drew closer. "The interest is coming in from all over the world and most of the applications are frequency clearances."
Broadcasters usually bring communications equipment to relay their transmissions to international audiences and the authority is responsible for allocating radio frequency spectrum licences.
Rush for stadium space
The Government Communications Information Service (GCIS) indicated all stand-up positions for broadcasters at FNB Stadium had been allocated as organisations rushed to secure space.
Government has made alternative arrangements for broadcasters to be positioned near the stadium's cooling towers, but added it was unable to build the elevated platforms.
"Members of the broadcast media wishing to take up these positions are advised to procure the scaffolds by themselves at their own cost," the GCIS said.
Thousands of mourners are expected to join dignitaries at the memorial service and the City of Johannesburg has stepped in to assist with transport arrangements.
Mandela will be buried in Qunu, in the Eastern Cape, on 15 December.
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