Nelson Mandela to be buried in Qunu ancestral home

Nelson Mandela is to be buried in his ancestral home in Qunu in the Eastern Cape, ending a week of commemorations for South Africa’s first black leader.

Some 4,500 people – including foreign dignitaries – are attending the funeral, which blends state ceremonial with traditional rituals.

Members of his family attended an overnight vigil, with a traditional praise singer believed to be chanting details of his long journey and life.

On Sunday, the coffin was taken on a gun carriage from Mr Mandela’s house to a giant white marquee that had been specially erected.

Inside the marquee, Nelson Mandela’s portrait had been placed behind two rows of candles, on one of three stages.

After the national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’I Africa (God Bless Africa) was sung, the service heard from a family spokesman and then from a close friend of the former president, Ahmed Kathrada, who was with him in prison on Robben island.

Mr Kathrada’s voice filled with emotion as he spoke of the difficulty of recent months and how he had lost an “elder brother”. “Farewell my dear brother, my mentor, my leader,” he said.

African National Congress members, veterans of the fight against apartheid and foreign dignitaries – including several African presidents, the Prince of Wales – are among the guests.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu – a long-time friend of Nelson Mandela – is also there, having earlier said he had cancelled his flight as he had not received an invitation. US talk show host Oprah Winfrey is also present.

15.12.2013
SOURCE: BBC