Sunday marked the end of a 95-year journey of life for former president Nelson Mandela, President Jacob Zuma said at his state funeral in Qunu.
"It is the end of 95 glorious years," he said.
"We are truly honoured to be part of this final journey of the great son of this country."
He said that when Mandela became critically ill last year, people had not wanted to confront the reality of his mortality, but that it had come to pass.
"Tata, it has been a long painful week for us, your people, your comrades, your relatives and your friends, since you took your last breath on 5 December."
THE END OF MANDELA'S JOURNEY: ZUMA
"It is the end of 95 glorious years," he said.
"We are truly honoured to be part of this final journey of the great son of this country."
He said that when Mandela became critically ill last year, people had not wanted to confront the reality of his mortality, but that it had come to pass.
"Tata, it has been a long painful week for us, your people, your comrades, your relatives and your friends, since you took your last breath on 5 December."
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