Covid restrictions mean that only 100 people can attend the funeral of South African anti-apartheid hero Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

The funeral plans were announced by the Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba who will lead the service at the city’s St. George’s cathedral on New Year’s Day.

"At 10am on Saturday, New Year's Day, the funeral will take place here and it is here where his ashes will also be interred.’’

A long-time friend of Nelson Mandela, Tutu won the Nobel prize in 1984 in recognition of his non-violent opposition to white minority rule.

He led numerous campaigns and marches against apartheid from St George's steps, which became known as the ''People's Cathedral'' and a symbol of democracy.

On Friday, Archbishop Tutu will lie in state at the cathedral.

"He was frail, 90, and we know that 60 years ago he was diagnosed with some lung condition. And God has been really gracious to the Arch, carried him through his life. And, as you heard from the Dean, he is an amazing human being, always full of gratitude and for him, thanksgiving was at the core of everything that he did."

The bells of St George's Cathedral will toll for 10 minutes each day at noon until Friday in his honour.