Qunu - Scores of people at former President Nelson Mandela’s village of Qunu, are lining the streets, as the hearse carrying Madiba's remains makes its way, in a procession, to the village.
An aircraft with Mandela’s body landed at Mthatha Airport a short while ago and thousands of people were expected to form a human chain to welcome the procession.
Young, old, men and women have all abandoned their homes in nearby villages to be in Qunu to welcome their famous hero, who will be buried here on Sunday. Many are in a celebratory mood, dancing and singing Xhosa traditional songs.
For these villagers this is the only time they have an opportunity to say goodbye to tata, as it might be impossible for them to be accommodated inside the funeral venue. Some people could be seen on roof tops from the houses overlooking the N2 leading to Mandela family residence.
An 11-year-old, Nkosiphendule Gqomfa, attends school at the same primary school Mandela went to as a child. He was anxious to read a tribute poem for Madiba as the procession passed.
“I want to read it because I believe he will hear me. I love tata Mandela. He is my hero.”
An elderly woman, who covered her head in an ANC scarf, said the people of Qunu will never forget the name Mandela.
“You do not mention the word Qunu without mentioning Mandela he put us on the map and to us he will forever remain our dearest father.”
The N2 leading to East London, pass Qunu, has been cordoned off since the early hours of Saturday, to make way for the procession. – SAnews.gov.za
