Mthatha - Former president Nelson Mandela was not a regional leader, ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe said on Saturday.
"Mandela is not a tribal or regional leader. He was laid in the seat of government and the seat of government is in Pretoria," he said, referring to Mandela's body lying in state.
He was responding to reports that residents of Mthatha felt excluded from the process of viewing the body of one of their own.
Mantashe said all protocols and wishes of the iconic leader were followed.
"Madiba's wish of being buried in Qunu has been fulfilled."
Mantashe said the family was going to feel the pain and grieve properly after the dust settled.
"The family will internalise on days when we are gone. The presence of people makes the pain a bit less," he said. - Sapa