Nelson Mandela’s coffin has arrived in his ancestral home in Qunu in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, the final leg of its journey.
BBC reports that large numbers of people have turned out on the route to Qunu to pay their respects as the cortege passes by.
A state funeral will be held on Sunday for Mr. Mandela, who died on December 5.
At least 100,000 people saw the former South African president’s body lying in state in Pretoria over the last three days, but some had to be turned away.
The C130 military aircraft carrying the coffin, escorted by two fighter jets, arrived in Mthatha at 13:37 local (11:37 GMT).
In line with tribal custom, Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla accompanied him on the journey, speaking to his coffin to tell him he is on his way home to rest.
To solemn music, the coffin draped in a South African flag was moved by a military guard of honour and placed in a hearse to begin the road journey.
People waving flags and cheering and singing – in places 10 to 12 deep – lined the route taken by the cortege through Mthatha town to pay their last respects. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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RIP Papa Madiba Mandela - Prince Roland.
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