Mandela Funeral: Tributes To 'Greatest Son'

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to "Africa's greatest son", as thousands of people from across the world say a final farewell to Nelson Mandela.

South African President Jacob Zuma said the state funeral for the anti-apartheid icon marked "the end of an extraordinary journey".

"It is the end of 95 glorious years of this freedom fighter, a dedicated and humble servant of people of South Africa," he said during a poignant speech.

Mr Mandela's family and South Africa's president sit beside his coffin

"He was a fountain of wisdom, a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope for all those fighting for a just world order."

Some 4,000 people are attending the funeral in Mr Mandela's ancestral home of Qunu, in South Africa's Eastern Cape.

The former president's coffin, draped in his country's flag, was carried to the service on a military carriage, as a 21-gun salute echoed around the village of Qunu, his childhood home.

It was placed in front of a stage, on which 95 candles - one for each year of his life - were lit and a huge portrait of a smiling Mr Mandela displayed.

Mourners heard from political leaders, Mr Mandela's family and some of his closest friends during an emotional service that brought both tears and laughter.

Ahmed Kathrada, who was imprisoned on Robben Island for 26 years with Mr Mandela, gave a heartfelt tribute to a man he described as his "elder brother".

Mr Kathrada said his close friend was an "enormous" source of strength

Speaking directly to his friend, he said: "What can we say ... in these, our last, final moments together?

"Your abundant reserves of love, simplicity, honesty, service, humility, care, courage, foresight, patience, tolerance, equality and justice continually serve as a source of enormous strength to millions."

Holding back tears, he added: "My life is in a void and I don't know who to turn to."

Mr Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Mandela (left) and widow Graca Machel (centre)

Hailemariam Desalegn, the Ethiopian Prime Minister and chairman of the African Union, said: "His was a life of struggle in the face of unparalleled odds. A life of suffering in the hands of malicious perpetrators of injustice. A life of perseverance in the face of challenge.

"We are not mourning. We are celebrating humanity at its finest. We should find consolation that his legacy will live on for eternity."

Jakaya Kikwete, the President of Tanzania, added: "Nelson Mandela was our leader, our hero, our icon and our father, as much as he was yours."

Prince Charles is welcomed to the funeral service in Qunu

High-profile guests included businessman Sir Richard Branson and TV chat show host Oprah Winfrey, while prominent US civil rights activist Reverend Jessie Jackson and Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams also made the journey.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was in the audience after earlier suggesting he had not received an invitation, while the Prince of Wales attended on behalf of the Queen.

During his speech, Mr Zuma paid tribute to a man "so great and yet so humble".

Archbishop Desmond Tutu initially thought he had missed out on an invite

"We wish to express two simple words," he said. "Thank you. Thank you for being everything wanted and needed in a leader during a critical period in our lives."

He added: "We'll cherish every moment we spent with you.

"You were an exceptional human being and you will remain our guiding light, as we continue our journey to build the South Africa of your dreams."

Members of the armed forces marched alongside Mr Mandela's coffin

A military plane, escorted by two fighter jets, brought Mr Mandela's body from a farewell service in Pretoria to Mthatha in South Africa's Eastern Cape.

Tens of thousands of people lined the roads as the funeral procession made the short journey to Qunu, although some were angry the cortege did not stop to allow them time to pay their respects.

Preparations for service - the first ever state funeral in South Africa - were marred by a public spat between the country's government and Mr Tutu, one of the most prominent survivors in the long struggle against apartheid.

A 21-gun salute heralded the arrival of Nelson Mandela's coffin

Mr Tutu, a Nobel laureate who has been critical of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, initially said he was not invited - an apparent snub denied by the government.

"Much as I would have loved to attend the service to say a final farewell to someone I loved and treasured, it would have been disrespectful to Tata (Mandela) to gatecrash what was billed as a private family funeral," he said in his initial statement.

"Had I or my office been informed that I would be welcome there is no way on earth that I would have missed it."

Mr Mandela's body was driven to his childhood home amid tight security

More than 100,000 people saw Mr Mandela's body lying in state in Pretoria over the last three days, but some had to be turned away.

The former leader, who was imprisoned for 27 years for opposing racist apartheid before emerging in 1990 to forge a new democratic South Africa, died on December 5.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602 and Freeview channel 82.

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