Mthatha - Members of the public and marshals formed a human chain on both sides of Mthatha's main thoroughfare where the procession bearing the body of former president Nelson Mandela passed on Saturday afternoon.
Cathedral bells rang as the cortege, preceded by military outriders, drove down Nelson Mandela Drive, where it was greeted by wild cheers from those assembled to pay homage to the man who guided South Africa to democracy.
A military helicopter circled overhead as people climbed trees in York Street in the hope of getting a better view of the procession taking Mandela's coffin to Qunu, about 31km away, where his funeral would be held on Sunday. - Sapa