South Africa farewells 'greatest son'

Mandela's close friend Ahmed Kathrada, who was in prison with the anti-apartheid leader, delivers an emotional eulogy. Michaela Cabrera reports.

THE world's most beloved voice of freedom, Nelson Mandela, has been buried in the beautiful rolling green pastures of South Africa's Eastern Cape, where he was born 95 years ago.

Ten days of intense mourning ended as Mandela was laid to rest alongside family members in open fields by the village of Qunu, from where he spent his early years herding cows and then went on to change the world.

Devoted wife ... Nelson Mandela's widow Graca Machel, left, arrives for the funeral service. Source: AP

A 21-canon salute welcomed Mandela's flag-draped coffin, which was carried on a gun carriage to his family's estate.

Nelson Mandela's remains have been returned to his childhood village on the eve of a traditional burial.

Joining Mandela's widow, Graca Machel, were members of his large extended family, including ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and his grandson, Mandla, both controversial and divisive figures in South Africa.

Final farewell ... Winnie Mandela Madikizela, the former wife of Nelson Mandela, at the funeral. Source: AFP

A final salute... Members of the South African armed forces acting as pall bearers saluting as late South African former President Nelson Mandela's coffin is lowered into the grave, watched by Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Mandela Madikizela (2nd L), widow Graca Machel (3rd L) and South African president Jacob Zuma (4th L).

Prince Charles, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Richard Branson, Oprah Winfrey, Prince Albert of Monaco, Sir Viv Richards, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, President Jacob Zuma, African leaders and former President Thabo Mbeki were joined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who arrived at the last moment.

Tutu had earlier claimed he was staying home because he had not received an invitation.

African National Congress deputy, Cyril Ramaphosa, seen as a future South African president, said of Mandela: "The person who lies here is South Africa's greatest son."

In memory ... children sit in front of Nelson Mandela's family house in Qunu. Source: AFP

President Zuma said when Mandela became sick last year, his country was gripped with worry. "We did not want to confront the reality of your mortality," he said.

The day began with an early morning private family viewing of the body, followed by the state funeral service, which began at 8am and then dragged on with speeches that often sounded like advertisements for the ruling ANC, which faces a tough election next year.

Ill-disciplined speakers rambled so long they forced a breach of Tembu tradition, which requires that a person of his stature be set down at noon, as the sun is at its highest.

The family's traditional representative, Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, praised Mandela by addressing him by his numerous clan titles. He said Mandela's 27-year imprisonment had brought great honour to the Xhosa people in the Transkei region of the Eastern Cape.

A life celebrated ... villagers dance in front of Nelson Mandela's family home in Qunu. Source: AFP

Mandela was an international figure, but granddaughter Nandi - who said he would always make the grandchildren pick up their clothes - pointed to a key moment for which South Africans will always thank him.

It came in 1993, when black communist leader Chris Hani was executed by a white right-wing assassin, taking the country to the brink of civil war. Though Mandela was not yet president, he successfully appealed to the nation to pull back from bloodshed.

Ahmed Kathrada, who spent 26 years on Robben Island with Mandela, said the last time he saw him alive was when he visited him in hospital and found him gravely ill.

"I was filled with an overwhelming mixture of sadness, emotion and pride," he said.

Members of the public watch as the hearse carrying the coffin of Nelson Mandela drives through the streets of Mthatha on its way to Qunu. Source: AFP

The family's traditional representative, Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, praised Mandela by addressing him by his numerous clan titles. He said Mandela had suffered during his 27-year imprisonment but had brought great honour to the Xhosa people in the Transkei region of the Eastern Cape.

In mourning ... Graca Machel, the widow of Nelson Mandela, was joined by Jesse Jackson, President Jacob Zuma and Winnie Mandela at an ANC-led send-off ceremony for the global icon. Source: Getty Images

"I first met him 67 years ago and recalled the tall healthy strong man, the boxer, the prisoner who easily wielded the pick and shovel when we couldn't do so, the prisoner who vigorously exercised every morning before we were unlocked.

"What I saw in hospital was a man helpless and reduced to a shadow of himself."

Kathrada said Mandela had "united South Africa and the world on a scale never experienced in history."

Back home ... the river in Qunu where Nelson Mandela played as a child. Source: Supplied

Grandson Mandla, who was accused of privately selling exclusive broadcast rights to his grandfather's funeral to the South African Broadcasting Corporation, lost an ugly family battle to have Mandela buried on his own private estate, 20km from Qunu.

Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, to Nongaphi Nosekeni and Henry Gadla Mandela.

Paying tribute ... People sing and dance while waiting for Nelson Mandela's funeral cortege to pass. Source: Getty Images

His father, a chief and advisor to the Thembu royal family, died when he was nine, and Mandela was taken in by Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo, who treated Mandela as one of his own and insisted he have an education.

He joined the ANC at the age of 25 and together with Oliver Tambo opened the first black legal practice in Johannesburg, which the ground was set for his long battle against the Apartheid regime.

In honour ... a religious leader stands by a poster showing Nelson Mandela during a farewell service at the Waterkloof air force base in Pretoria before the departure of Mandela's coffin Source: AFP

His father, a chief and adviser to the Thembu royal family, died when he was nine, and Mandela was taken in by Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo, who treated Mandela as one of his own and insisted he have an education.

He joined the ANC at the age of 25 and together with Oliver Tambo opened the first black legal practice in Johannesburg.

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