A high-powered delegation of foreign government representatives is expected to descend on Soweto tomorrow, to bid farewell to freedom struggle icon Walter Sisulu.

Mr Sisulu, who was affectionately known by his clan name, Xhamela, died last week and will be buried tomorrow at the Croesus cemetery in Soweto.

Foreign affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa confirmed to BuaNews that Presidents Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and Joachim Chissano of Mozambique, Lesotho Prime Minister Phakalitha Mosisili and former Presidents Jerry Rawlings of Ghana and Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia were expected to attend the funeral.

Mr Mamoepa added that members of political parties across the continent would also attend the funeral of one of the greatest proponents of a free South Africa.

Sisulu's family has in the past two weeks received numerous messages of condolences from around the world.

Spokesperson for the Sisulu Funeral Committee Thabo Masebe said ministers, domestic political parties and local sport dignitaries such as Irvin Khoza and Kaizer Motaung would also attend the funeral.

Mr Masebe said they would join President Thabo Mbeki, Deputy President Jacob Zuma and former President Nelson Mandela who would also be at the funeral.

About 50 000 thousand mourners are expected to assemble at the Orlando Stadium to bid their last farewells to Xhamela tomorrow.