A senior ruling African National Congress (ANC) official on Friday praised a decision by local and international retail stores operating in the country to close business on Sunday, the burial day of former president Nelson Mandela.

This is "a true act of patriotism," said Thandi Modise, a member of the ANC National Executive Committee.

Mandela will be laid to rest in Qunu, the Eastern Cape where he spent much of his childhood.

"This is not only patriotic but honour to the world's greatest freedom fighter and father of our nation,"said Modise, who is also premier of the North West Province.

"This will affords those employed by them to mourn and celebrate his life," she added.

Shops that will close doors include international operator Massmart Holdings which owns several major supermarket chains such as Builders Warehouse, Cambridge Food, Game Stores, Jumbo Cash & Carry and Makro.

In a statement, Massmart Holdings said the decision was taken in consultation with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, to enable staff to spend time with their families on the day to honour the revered statesman.

Another top retail giant Woolworths said it will close all its stores in South Africa. Shoprite, Checkers and Clicks and Virgin Active will also follow suit.

Meanwhile, top retail Pick n Pay Chief Executive Richard Brasher announced that all profits from sales in its stores on Sunday will be donated to charitable causes in memory of Mandela.

The Premier Soccer League has suspended matches until after the funeral.

Mandela died of illness at his Johannesburg home on Dec. 5 at the age of 95.