Johannesburg – Anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada is being given a send off fit for a king.
Throngs of politicians arrived at the West Park cemetery in Joburg where Kathrada is set to be laid to rest.
His coffin, drapped in an ANC flag, arrived shortly after 10am.
#Kathradafuneral Struggle Stalwart arriving in the tent for the service. Cc @ReporterStar pic.twitter.com/gJVE1vR86G
— Masego Panyane (@sego_says) March 29, 2017
As the coffin made its way into the marquee, politicians sang popular struggle song Hamba Kahle Mkhonto with others chanted prayers according to Muslim rites.
Minutes before the official programme those in attendance where asked to stand up for the national anthem.
#KathradaFuneral The remains of Ahmed Kathrada arrive in a coffin covered in an ANC flag @AfriNewsAgency pic.twitter.com/4R6rSWlqh1
— Sphelele (@SpheDludla) March 29, 2017
#Kathradafuneral national anthem being sung to open the ceremony. Cc @ReporterStar pic.twitter.com/4lW76uR1p3
— Masego Panyane (@sego_says) March 29, 2017
Notably missing from dignitaries that arrived was President Jacob Zuma.
His office confirmed that he would not be attending as per the request by the family.
However, Ahmed Kahrada Foundation CEO Neeshan Balton refuted this saying no one in the family had asked for the President not to attend.
Former deputy president Thabo Mbeki sat next to deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa with their wives.
ANC stalwart Winnie Madikizela Mandela also sat in the front row next to EFF president Julius Malema.
. @winniemandela arrives at #KathradaFuneral at West Park Cemetery in Joburg @ReporterStar @TheStar_news @IOLPolitics @IOL pic.twitter.com/lPrfvtbuxO
— Luyolo Mkentane (@luyolomkentane) March 29, 2017
The programme of the day includes short tributes.
Foundation chairman Derek Hanekom called upon various religious leaders to speak up.
Also spotted at the service were former ministers and government officials and other officials such as AU leader Nkosazana – Dlamini Zuma, Moeletsi Mbeki, Mac Maharaj, Ronnie Kasrils and Barbara Creecy.