Nelson Mandela’s state funeral begins in Qunu

Qunu, South Africa (CNN) — With 95 candles glowing in the background to mark each year of his life, thousands of mourners gathered to say goodbye to Nelson Mandela on Sunday at a funeral in his beloved boyhood village of Qunu.

Mandela died on December 5 after a recurring lung infection and declining health.

Crowds gathered as a somber military procession wheeled his casket into the tent. Inside, the wall of candles flickered behind his casket.

A giant picture of Mandela smiled down on the mourners.

The funeral started with South Africa’s national anthem, “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika,” or God Bless Africa.

The international icon’s body arrived Saturday in the tiny village in the Eastern Cape province, where he grew up surrounded by lush rolling hills and velvety green grass.

Mandela relished his time at the village. It’s where he herded cows and goats as a child; where his relatives are buried at the family farm.

“He really believed this is where he belonged,” said his daughter, Maki Mandela.

Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years for defying the racist apartheid government that led South Africa for decades. He emerged from prison in 1990 and became South Africa’s first black president four years later, all the while promoting forgiveness and reconciliation.

He died December 5 after being in and out of the hospital several times in recent years due to health problems.

Events leading up to the funeral have included 10 days of mourning to honor the man considered the father of modern South Africa.

Before his body arrived in Qunu, it lay in state for three days in Pretoria. After an emotional service at the air base there, which included the handing over of his body to the ruling African National Congress, it was put in a military helicopter for the final leg of the journey.

Mourners pay their respects

In Qunu, crowds lined the streets Saturday to say farewell. The procession made frequent stops for mourners to pay their respects.

The military handed over his remains to elders at his home. And in a symbol of the return of one of their own, the national flag that covered Mandela’s coffin was replaced with a lion skin, a traditional symbol of the Xhosa people.

At dusk, tribal leaders and men in his family held a private vigil to honor traditions of his native Thembu clan.
His casket was placed in his bedroom overnight as villagers gathered outside to pay their respects.

The Mandela family, President Jacob Zuma and Cabinet members will be present, along with local and foreign dignitaries. About 4,500 people are expected to attend, including talk show host Oprah Winfrey and Prince Charles.

Following the service, family and friends will walk to the grave site to say goodbye.

In keeping up with tradition, Mandela will be buried in the afternoon, when the sun is at its highest.

CNN’s Robyn Curnow reported from the Mandela compound in Qunu. Faith Karimi wrote and reported from Atlanta.