Qunu -
Dozens of funeral guests in Qunu began taking “selfies” during the burial of former president Nelson Mandela on Sunday.
After only 450 selected guests were allowed to the cemetery, the rest watched proceedings on large screens set up at a domed arena nearby.
The Mandela family had asked that the final procedures of the burial not be filmed. As the screens in the dome stopped showing footage, some guests got up to leave. Others stayed when an announcement was made that refreshments would be served. Box juices and water were handed out.
People streamed onto the stage and took “selfies”, photographs of themselves with their cellphones.
Controversy emerged after British Prime Minister David Cameron, US President Barack Obama and Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt took a “selfie” during Mandela's memorial service in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The former president's burial marks the end of a 10-day mourning period for the country. Mandela died at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg at the age of 95, on December 5. - Sapa