he remains of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela were transferred early Saturday to Waterkloof air base for a farewell from the African National Congress
e remains of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela were transferred early 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 to Mandela at the air base.
South African President Jacob Zuma praised Mandela in a detailed recounting of the liberation struggle. He said Mandela had the rare ability to put theory into practice.
"He did something that is not easy to do," Zuma said.
He also described Mandela coming to Johannesburg from the countryside as a young man and bringing discipline and vision to the long and difficult anti-apartheid movement.
Mandela's remains were to be returned to military control later Saturday morning. It will then be flown to the Eastern Cape in preparation for Mandela's funeral the following day.
Mandela's casket is expected to arrive at Mthatha in the Eastern Cape Saturday afternoon and to be greeted by a full military ceremony.
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