Family members are preparing the body of the veteran South African politician, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, at a mortuary before he is taken to his hometown northern Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Hundreds of people are lining the streets leading which lead to Kwa-Phindangene Palace in Ulundi.
Zulu regiments clad in traditional attire and supporters of his Inkatha Freedom Party have been singing and chanting outside the morgue.
They will later take his body back to the palace, where elders of the Buthelezi family will hold traditional ceremonies in accordance with Zulu custom.
Then on Saturday, a state funeral will be held for the veteran politician, who died last week aged 95.