MANDELA LAID TO REST.

 

Nelson Mandela was the first black president of South Africa, he was released from prison after being incarcerated for over two decades for his role in the fight against apartheid in his home country . Mandela and South African President F.W. de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to dismantle the country's apartheid system. In 1994, Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa's first black president. In 2009, Mandela's birthday (July 18) was declared "Mandela Day" to promote global peace and celebrate the South African leader's legacy. Mandela died at his home in Johannesburg on December 5, 2013, at age 95.


He was laid to rest in his boy village of Qunu. A 21-gun salute and full honor guard escorted the coffin of Nelson Mandela as his state funeral got underway in rural boyhood home. The specially constructed marquee venue held 4,500 people, with pride of place going to Mandela's family, including his widow Graca Machel and ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela who sat on either side of President Jacob Zuma.

Mandela's flag-draped casket was placed on cow skins and surrounded by 95 candles -- each signifying a year of his extraordinary life, which saw him make the journey from prisoner to president.

"The person who lies here is South Africa's greatest son," said ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa.

Top government officials and foreign dignitaries and celebrities, ranging from Britain's Prince Charles to US talk show queen Oprah Winfrey, were also in attendance.