Nelson Mandela laid to rest at his childhood village of Qunu

South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela received a tearful state funeral at his childhood village of Qunu on Sunday, followed by traditional burial attended by family and friends, according to the Voice of Russia.

A 21-gun salute and full military honour guard escorted Mandela’s coffin to a marquee where 4,500 mourners said their final goodbyes.

His flag-draped casket was placed on cow skins, surrounded by 95 candles – each signifying a year of his extraordinary life.

“The person who lies here is South Africa’s greatest son,” said ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa in an opening address.

Mandela’s widow, Graca Machel, who was seldom far from his bedside during his final months, looked on disconsolate, along with his former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

The leaders of South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle also attended: George Bizos, Desmond Tutu and Ahmed Kathrada, whose voice broke with emotion as he delivered a eulogy for his old friend.

“I first met him 67 years ago,” said Kathrada, who along with Mandela was sentenced to life in prison in 1963.

He recalled his fellow inmate as a powerful amateur boxer who could cope far better than others with the physical challenge of hard labour.

“What I saw in hospital was a man helpless and reduced to a shadow of himself,” he said struggling not to break down.

“We can salute you as a fighter for freedom. Farewell my dear brother, my mentor, my leader.”

“Now I’ve lost a brother, my life is in a void and I don’t know who turn to.”

His words left many in tears among the invited guests, whose ranks included foreign dignitaries and celebrities ranging from Britain’s Prince Charles to US talk show queen Oprah Winfrey.

 H.M