President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the main eulogy at the service at St George's Chapel in Cape Town. The archbishop died aged 90 on 26 December.
The archbishop's death represents a huge loss for South Africa, where many called him 'Tata' - meaning fatherAnti-apartheid hero Archbishop Desmond Tutu will be laid to rest at a state funeral in South Africa later, with reports he will be aquamated.
The process, which uses water instead of fire, is considered to be a more environmentally friendly alternative to cremation. Hot water is combined with potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide to break down body tissue, with the person's bones placed in a cremulator and turned to ash.Mourners pay respects to Desmond Tutu
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the main eulogy at the service at St George's Chapel in Cape Town.'s body had been lying-in-state in the cathedral where he preached against racial injustice. Hundreds of mourners stood in long queues on Thursday and Friday, some singing, others carrying flowers and writing on tribute books in memory of the Nobel Peace Prize winner.