CNN finds trash rumour that broadcasting rights to Nelson Mandela funeral was 'sold' to CNN 'deeply offensive', says there's 'no truth' to it.

In response to trash rumours in a South African Sunday paper three days ago that the SABC had "sold" the broadcasting rights to CNN for the Nelson Mandela funeral, CNN in a statement to me says "there is absolutely no truth to the allegation that CNN has bought the rights to the Mandela funeral".

"You may have also seen the tweet from Kim Norgaard, CNN Johannesburg bureau chief on Sunday evening, 'Suggestions that funeral of Mandela has somehow been 'sold' to CNN are deeply offensive. It is not true. Our thoughts are with Madiba," says CNN.