Mandela’s funeral to be held December 15th
Posted Dec 6, 2013 05:15:13 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
South Africans are mourning the death of their most famous citizen, anti-apartheid icon, first black president and favourite son Nelson Mandela.
He died at his home yesterday at the age of 95 after a lengthy illness.
It was announced on Friday morning, Mandela’s state funeral will take place on Sunday, December 15th.
Dressed in black, South African President Jacob Zuma made the announcement on television, saying Mandela died peacefully surrounded by family.
Zuma said that even though everyone knew the day was coming, nothing could diminish the nation’s sense of a ”profound and enduring loss.”
U-N Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon summed up the feelings of many when he said Mandela was “a giant for justice” who inspired people to fight for a better world.
Or, as U-S President Obama put it — “Mandela no longer belongs to us, he belongs to the ages.”
As the news of Mandela’s death spread across South Africa, many residents gathered in the streets to mourn his death and celebrate his colossal life.
Many people reacted with deep sadness at the loss of a man many saw as the father of the nation while some danced and sang in celebration of his life.
Huge gatherings are expected in coming days as the country prepares a formal farewell for a man who helped guide the country to all-race elections in 1994.
South Africa has begun 10 days of official mourning.
