Former president Nelson Mandela will attend President Jacob Zuma's first State of the Nation address next week, if his health permits, Speaker Max Sisulu said on Thursday.

"Former president Mandela has indicated that he wanted to attend, but, as we all know, he is frail," Sisulu told a media briefing at Parliament.

Mandela, who turns 91 this winter, was transported in a golf cart when he attended Zuma's inauguration last month.

Sisulu said former president Thabo Mbeki, who was recalled from the post last year, has been invited to Parliament for Zuma's address on Wednesday, but has not yet responded.

South Africa's last white president, FW de KIerk, has declined, as he will be in Greece at the time, Sisulu said.

Former deputy presidents Baleka Mbete and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka are set to attend the speech, which will take place with the usual pomp and ceremony reserved for such occasions.

Zuma will be greeted with a 21-gun salute, a fly-over by the air force, and a national salute by the ceremonial guard of the defence force.

Soldiers will line the streets along his route to the legislature and some 250 school children will form a special guard of honour for the president.

Sapa