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                   Thousands Attend Nelson Mandala's Funeral

   The funeral of late South African president Nelson Mandela is underway
   in his ancestral home of Qunu, where thousands of people have gathered
   in a large tent erected for the ceremony.
   On the stage behind the speakers are 95 candles, one for each year of
   Mr. Mandela`s life.
   Heads of state, Prince Charles and other dignitaries are among those
   attending.
   At a Saturday briefing, minister for the presidency Collins Chabane
   said about 4,500 people were expected to attend the funeral and about
   450 people are expected to witness his burial, which is set for noon
   local time, in Qunu.
   The ruling African National Congress party held a memorial service for
   the late president at Waterkloof air base near Johannesburg before the
   remains were flown to the Eastern Cape Province.
   This past week, tens of thousands of mourners turned out to pay tribute
   to Mr. Mandela, while his body was displayed in Pretoria`s Union
   Buildings.
   The Union Buildings are South Africa`s seat of government, and the same
   place where Mr. Mandela was sworn in as the country`s first black
   president in 1994, after serving 27 years in prison for his role in the
   struggle against white minority rule.
   The former South African leader died December 5 following a lengthy
   illness.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/thousands-attend-nelson-mandalas-funeral/1810618.html