The Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Soweto was at the heart of the uprising against apartheid -- most famously on June 16 , 1976 , when young students rebelled against the education system and were fired upon by police . NEW : Official : Foreign heads of state are coming to South Africa to honor Nelson Mandela . People in Soweto celebrate Nelson Rockefeller 's birthday . Services are held nationwide on a day of remembrance for Mandela . A state funeral will be held December 15 .
NEW : Official : Foreign heads of state are coming to South Africa to honor Nelson Mandela . People in Soweto celebrate Nelson Rockefeller 's birthday . Services are held nationwide on a day of remembrance for Mandela . A state funeral will be held December 15 .