Mthatha - The first of several dignitaries expected to attend the funeral of former president Nelson Mandela arrived at the Mthatha Airport just after 8am on Saturday.
Mandela's long time friend and lawyer during the Rivonia trial George Bizos was in the first group to arrive.
Speaking to journalists near the runway, he expressed sadness at the death of his friend of 67 years.
He spoke about the love Mandela had for his hometown of Qunu, where he would be buried on Sunday.
“This was the place where people around would come and see him without an appointment. They would talk about stick fighting and laugh,” he said.
Bizos said the scenes around the country of people singing and dancing were in celebration of Mandela's legacy. - Sapa