Nelson Mandela funeral: Live Report
Qunu (South Africa) (AFP) - WE ARE NOW CLOSING this Live Report on Nelson Mandela's state funeral.
South Africa's anti-apartheid icon was buried on a hillside at his childhood home of Qunu after ten days of national mourning with a full military honour guard.
The burial took place after a funeral service featuring tributes from President Jacob Zuma -- who vowed that South Africa would "continue to rise" after his death -- Malawian President Joyce Banda and former Zambian leader Kenneth Kaunda, plus family members and friends.
The sombre ceremony gave the world the chance to say a final farewell to one of the 20th century's towering figures whose courage and moral fortitude made him a global symbol of liberty and hope. LIVE REPORT ENDS
1115 GMT: AFP's Jan Hennop tells us: "From across the road of the gravesite, which was off limits to journalists, the lone voice of a traditional singer could be heard drifting on the wind as the final rites were performed away from the prying eyes of the world."
1056 GMT: When the jets flew over the gravesite a few moments ago, they were in a "missing man formation", usually reserved for tributes to a fallen pilot.
1047 GMT: The live broadcast from the gravesite has been interrupted, presumably to give the family a private moment to say farewell.
1044 GMT: The sound of the Last Post rings out as Mandela's body is laid to rest after 10 days of mourning.
MANDELA'S BODY IS BURIED
1042 GMT: Now a 21 gun salute honours Mandela. Zuma and Mandela's family look on, their faces sombre.
1040 GMT: The grave is surrounded by lilies. Graca Machel and close family members are sitting next to it in a small tent providing shelter from the hot sun.
Helicopters flying South African flags swoop over the grave site followed by a jet flypast.
1038 GMT: Mandela's coffin has been placed over the grave. A small, framed South African flag on top of the coffin was removed and handed to his widow, Graca Machel.
1030 GMT: The coffin has arrived at the burial site and is being carried to the graveside.
1025 GMT: Mandela's coffin is now being taken up the hill, draped in the South African flag.
1020 GMT: A military band is now marching up the hill towards the burial site.
1008 GMT: Mourners are walking up the hill from the dome towards the gravesite, situated on a hillside. Many are dressed in traditional Xhosa outfits.
Tutu is among those in the procession of some 450 people, which includes family and military commanders, religious and traditional leaders, heads of state, ANC officials and struggle veterans, as well as Richard Branson.
The route is lined by soldiers and police forming a guard of honour.
0958 GMT: AFP's Jean Liou tells us that Tutu is among those who will be allowed to join family and leaders at the gravesite.
0955 GMT: Military pallbearers are now carrying Mandela's coffin, draped in the South African flag, out of the marquee, followed by members of his family.
The coffin will then be taken to the burial site nearby.
Sombre singing rings around the marquee.
0948 GMT: Mandela's burial site is on the sprawling family estate which he built in Qunu after his release from prison in 1990.
Overseen by male members of his clan, the burial will include the slaughter of an ox -- a ritual traditionally performed through various milestones of a person's life.
Mourners will wear traditional Xhosa regalia, with blue and white beaded headgear and necklaces.
0943 GMT: The sermon over, Ramaphosa says the service is being handed over to the military as Mandela's coffin is taken to the grave for burial.
He warns that only 450 people out of 4,500 in the auditorium will be able to see the actual burial.
0926 GMT: We are now on to the closing sermon. ANC chairperson Baleka Mbete, compering the event, urges it to be brief due to the tight scheduling.
0920 GMT: Outside the venue in Qunu, visitors are watching the service with great interest.
"I think it's so sad for all South Africans. It is sad for me because at school always learn about famous people and Madiba was the most famous," said Luc Solan, 9, who is from Ireland but on holiday in South Africa.
"We always realised that this guy was a leader," added his father, Brian Solan, 45 holding his son's hand as they walked down the road past Mandela's home.
"It's a very poignant moment today. Some quiet tears are being shed," added Solan, who grew up in South Africa.
0915 GMT: Great affection there for Kaunda as he wraps up his comments.
The ceremony is now running over time but Ramaphosa is back on stage acknowledging some of the VIP guests, including Hollywood stars Forest Whitaker and Idris Elba, who played Mandela in the recent movie "Long Walk To Freedom".
0908 GMT: Kaunda is handed a note on stage, presumably urging him to draw his comments to a close because of the tight timing of this funeral.
He jokes: "Young man is controlling an old man who has fought Boers", to warm laughter.
0905 GMT: Kaunda, a key figure in the history of African independence from colonial rule and ally of the ANC, gets an extremely warm reception.
He says Mandela embodied the Biblical commandment to love your neighbour as you love yourself.
"This man is a blessed child of Lord God Almighty. He followed the commandments that God Almighty the creator has given to the entire human race," he says.
0900 GMT: Former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda, who is 89, jogs up to the podium to pay tribute as we approach the end of this part of the ceremony.
0858 GMT: Zuma closes his speech by saying: "You were indeed an extraordinary human being, you will remain our guiding light, illuminating the path as we continue the long journey to build the South Africa of your dreams.
"You live for ever in our hearts and minds."
ANC supporters break into song after Zuma's speech, singing "Nelson Mandela there is none like you" -- stomping the wooden floor of the marquee.
0848 GMT: Zuma singles out Graca Machel and Winnie Mandela for particular tribute.
Graca Machel provided "love, strength and companionship," Zuma says.
"The past year has not been easy for her. She ensured your care and comfort until the final moment," he adds.
Of Winnie, he says: "When the ANC was banned she refused to be silenced and carried on the struggle with amazing bravery. She was persecuted severely for standing by you and for remaining resolute in pursuit of a free, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and united South Africa."
0845 GMT: "You offered hope in place of hopelessness," Zuma says.
He adds: "South Africa will continue to rise because we dare not fail you".
0839 GMT: "Whilst your long walk to freedom has ended in a physical sense, our own journey continues," Zuma says of Mandela.
"We have to take the legacy forward -- in doing so we will continue drawing lessons from your very rich and extraordinary life."
'WE HAVE TO TAKE THE LEGACY FORWARD' ZUMA TELLS MEMORIAL
0833 GMT: Zuma calls Mandela "a fountain of wisdom, a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope."
He adds: "Today marks the end of an extraordinary journey that began 95 years ago. It is the end of 95 glorious years of a freedom fighter, a dedicated and humble servant of the people of South Africa."
0829 GMT: The Qunu crowd is on its feet to sing with Zuma, some holding fists in the air, in that song from the time of the ANC's struggle against apartheid.
0827 GMT: Zuma starts with a song, leading the mourners in chorus.
0822 GMT: Now South African President Jacob Zuma is up. He was booed at the memorial but gets loud cheers here.
Before he speaks, a praise-singer takes the stage to introduce the president.
0817 GMT: Kikwete says that when Mandela came to Tanzania in 1962, he had no passport but was given a Tanzanian one which allowed him to travel around the continent.
"The ANC found a new home in Tanzania from where it operated, organised, spearhead and executed the armed struggle," he adds.
0810 GMT: "The people of Tanzania have lost a great friend," Kikwete says.
"People of Tanzania would like you to know that you are not alone, they are with you.
"They are saying your grief is our grief, your loss is our loss."
0803 GMT: President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania speaks now.
His country provided support to the ANC during the struggle against apartheid.
0757 GMT: From inside the venue, AFP's Sibongile Khumalo says people are still walking in to fill empty seats in parts of the marquee and soldiers are moving in to occupy some chairs.
0755 GMT: Banda is also speaking on behalf of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).
She says his ideals "will inspire us forever as a region," adding: "Tata's words are still echoing in our minds."
She pays special tribute to Graca Machel and Winnie Mandela for their example to women across Africa.
Banda gets a loud ovation.
0750 GMT: Malawi's President Joyce Banda speaks of how she has learnt from Mandela -- and how the rest of the region can do so as well.
"I learnt that leadership is about falling in love with the people that you serve and the people falling in love with you," she says.
"He championed the freedom not only of South Africans but all Africans."
0743 GMT: Now a performance of "The Prayer", an operatic duet made famous by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli, whose lyrics include the lines: "Guide us with your grace to a place where we'll be safe".
0741 GMT: A small group of people gathered at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg -- which hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, won by South Africa with the trophy presented by Mandela -- to watch the ceremony.
Mpumelelo Hlabangana, a minister from Zimbabwe who is working in Johannesburg, said: "Not everyone can go to Qunu, so I wanted to experience the funeral with other people."
He added: "Madiba was a liberator of humankind in South Africa and the world."
0736 GMT: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn is addressing the funeral, highlighting his role in forging pan-African unity.
"Madiba's life was the mirror image of the continent," he says. "Africa (is) indeed indebted for that."
He adds: "What we are doing is not so much mourning... as the celebration of life at its finest."
0730 GMT: Back inside, Nandi pays affectionate tribute to her grandfather, recalling his sense of humour and spirit.
"We will miss your laughter, we shall carry the lessons you taught us throughout our lives," she tells mourners, speaking of him.
0722 GMT: From outside the venue, Ntsika Madyibi, 35, who came from a neighbouring village to watch at the public viewing area, says he does not feel sad about the funeral even though Mandela meant so much too South Africans.
"He was an old man, he deserves his rest, and I think it's been overdue," he said.
0718 GMT: Mandela's grandson Ndaba is now addressing the funeral, summarising his life and achievements.
He is followed by granddaughter Nandi.
0715 GMT: Small groups of people are also watching the funeral service at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, which is having a live screening.
Peter Marang, 56, says: "Not many are here but I like the atmosphere."
He added: "May the old man rest in peace... he will always be in my heart. A true people's leader he was."
0710 GMT: His voice trembling, Kathrada is obviously deeply affected by Mandela's death, while speaking of his "enormous pride" in the man.
"Farewell my dear brother, my mentor, my leader," he says. "My life is in a void and I don't know who to turn to."
0701 GMT: Ahmed Kathrada, who was jailed along with Mandela, now addresses the ceremony.
He contrasts the Mandela he first met 67 years ago with the sick man he encountered in hospital last time he saw him.
"What I saw in hospital was a man helpless and reduced to a shadow of himself and now the inevitable has happened," he says.
"He has left us to join the A-team of the ANC."
0654 GMT: Chief Matanzima, who spoke on behalf of the family, thanked the army medics who took care of the icon while he was treated at home and during his hospital stay. He asked them to stand up. Mourners applauded.
"You did a great job in taking care of our father, we can?t thank you enough for that," said Matanzima.
0644 GMT: Among others at the service are South African former president Thabo Mbeki.
He has ruffled some feathers in the last week by asking whether the current crop of South African leaders including President Zuma are living up to Mandela's legacy -- the inference being they are not.
A survey conducted for South Africa's Sunday Times newspaper published Sunday showed 51 percent of registered voters of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) want Zuma to resign.
The results of the Ipsos survey come days after Zuma was booed at the memorial service for Mandela in Soweto.
0634 GMT: ANC Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, now addressing the audience, explains there are 95 candles lit on the podium behind the coffin, one for each year of Mandela's life.
"The person who lies here is South Africa's greatest son," he says.
0631 GMT: Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu has arrived at the state funeral.
0621 GMT: The ceremony is being addressed by Rev Vido Nyobole, general secretary of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa.
Mandela's religious roots were in Methodism.
0615 GMT: The choir is leading attendees in the South African national anthem.
Mandela's coffin is at the front of the room on top of cow skins. Some mourners place their fists on their chests.
FUNERAL STARTS
0610 GMT: The coffin is now taken off the gun carriage and being carried into the marquee, carried by military figures and followed by Mandela's widow Graca Machel and former wife Winnie.
0601 GMT: The coffin is taken towards the giant white marquee where the funeral is being held as a funeral march plays.
The funeral service itself will begin with Xhosa hymn 'Lizalis? idinga lakho' -- 'Fulfil Your Promise'.
0552 GMT: Mandela's coffin, wrapped in a South African flag, is on a gun carriage as part of a procession led by a military band which is heading towards the marquee, with full pomp and ceremony.
The coffin is receiving a salute from 21 field guns, sending puffs of smoke into the air as the rounds are fired off and thundering across Qunu.
0548 GMT: Funeral plans were briefly overshadowed by an outcry after Mandela's old friend and fellow Nobel peace laureate Desmond Tutu said he had not been invited to attend the funeral.
But late on Saturday, Tutu said he would be attending the funeral after all as government tried to brush off the confusion as a misunderstanding.
Tutu -- who baptised South Africa the "Rainbow Nation" -- has been a persistent critic of the government of President Jacob Zuma and has also spoken out against infighting in Mandela's family.
0546 GMT: It's a beautiful day in verdant Qunu, by contrast with his memorial service in Soweto earlier this week which was held in heavy rain.
0543 GMT: Military marching bands are warming up as guests arrive on foot or with a police escort.
A small group of onlookers have also gathered outside the gate to the Mandela homestead, hoping they may be asked to come through the gates.
"I have been here since yesterday. Last night I slept on the back of a pick-up truck," said Nomvula Luphondo, 44, a teacher.
"Maybe they'll let me in. It would be nice to say goodbye, but we'll probably travel to the public viewing area at the Qunu Museum up the road," added Luphondo, wearing a Springbok jersey with the insignia of the South African national rugby team.
0539 GMT: Among those attending the main ceremony are celebrities like US talk show host Oprah Winfrey, US civil rights activist Jesse Jackson and British entrepreneur Richard Branson.
But the burial afterwards will be a more private affair.
Organisers say around 450 people, including Mandela's widow Graca Machel and ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, would participate in the burial, which will be held according to traditional Xhosa rites.
Overseen by male members of his clan, the ceremony will include the slaughter of an ox -- a ritual performed through various milestones of a person's life.
Mourners will wear traditional Xhosa regalia, with blue and white beaded head gear and necklaces.
0535 GMT: Senior South African government officials, ANC veterans and foreign dignitaries are already at the venue -- a giant, specially erected marquee -- for Nelson Mandela?s funeral service.
Old comrades are hugging each other in what seems like a reunion of friends.
Mandela?s portrait, smiling down at the gathering crowd, is placed behind two rows of candles, in one of the three stages inside the white dome- shaped marquee.
WELCOME TO AFP'S LIVE REPORT on the funeral of Nelson Mandela at his rural childhood home in Qunu, South Africa.
The ceremony ends 10 days of national mourning during which hundreds of thousands of South Africans passed by the body of the country's anti-apartheid icon and first elected black leader.
It begins at 8:00am (0600 GMT) with a two-hour ceremony for around 4,500 invited guests, including senior politicians such as President Jacob Zuma and foreign dignitaries like Britain's Prince Charles.
The actual interment of the body will be a private affair with close friends.
Stay with us for all the events as they happen.
