Nelson Mandela funeral: Madiba's remains on way to Qunu

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/14/nelson-mandela-funeral-madiba-remains-qunu

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The remains of Nelson Mandela were transferred in the early hours of Saturday to Waterkloof air base for a farewell from the African National Congress.

The military handed over Mandela's flag-draped coffin to the ANC at a solemn ceremony broadcast live on South African television. The proceedings included a multi-faith service and a musical tribute.

The remains were to be returned to military control later on Saturday morning, then flown to the Mthatha in Eastern Cape province and greeted by a full military ceremony ahead of the funeral on Sunday.

Rituals are to be performed before a motorcade takes the casket from Mthatha to the village of Qunu where Mandela will be buried.

The public has been invited to view the cortege as it makes its way to Qunu. The body will be taken to the Mandela family farm, where more rituals are to be performed.

A night vigil by the ANC is taking place at Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha on Saturday, with party leaders and government officials honouring Mandela on the eve of his burial.

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