News World Songs, tears and prayers as South Africans pay tribute to Nelson Mandela

Songs, tears and prayers as South Africans pay tribute to Nelson Mandela

Johannesburg: As flags were lowered to half mast, people across South Africa commemorated Nelson Mandela with song, tears and prayers on Friday as the government prepared funeral ceremonies that will draw leaders and other dignitaries



Mourners also gathered outside Mandela's former home on Vilakazi Street in the city's black township of Soweto.

South Africa's banking association said banks will close on the day of Mandela's funeral. The government has yet to announce a detailed schedule for a mourning period that is expected to last more than a week.

The liberation struggle icon's grandson, Mandla Mandela, said he was strengthened by the knowledge that his grandfather was finally resting.

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