Death and state funeral of Nelson Mandela facts for kids

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Death and state funeral
of Nelson Mandela
Candlelight vigil outside Mandela's home.
Date	5 December 2013; 11 years ago (2013-12-05)
Location	Johannesburg, Gauteng (Memorial service) Pretoria, Gauteng (Public viewing) Qunu, Eastern Cape (State funeral and burial)

On 5 December 2013, Nelson Mandela, a beloved leader and the first black President of South Africa, passed away at the age of 95. He had been ill for a while with a lung infection. He died peacefully at his home in Johannesburg, surrounded by his family. The President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, announced his death to the nation later that night. People all over the world were very sad to hear the news.

South Africa held a 10-day period of national mourning. During this time, many memorial services took place across the country. A big official memorial service was held at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. Mandela's body then lay in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria for three days. This allowed many people to say their last goodbyes. His state funeral was held on 15 December 2013 in Qunu, his childhood village, where he was buried.

Official Funeral Events

The South African government announced 10 days of national mourning. This period ended with the state funeral on 15 December 2013. President Jacob Zuma ordered that all flags on government buildings fly at half-mast. This showed respect for the beloved leader.

Many world leaders and important people traveled to South Africa. Over 90 heads of state and government attended the funeral events. This included leaders from many African countries. Also, presidents, prime ministers, and royal family members from countries like the United States, India, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Japan came to pay their respects. Leaders from international groups like the United Nations and the African Union were also there.

Day of Prayer and Reflection

The South African government asked everyone to observe Sunday, 8 December 2013, as a national day of prayer and reflection. This was a time for people to remember Mandela and think about his life.

State Memorial Service

The main memorial service took place at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. It was held on Tuesday, 10 December 2013. Many important people from around the world attended this service. About 170 countries were represented.

President Jacob Zuma's Reception

During the memorial service, some people in the crowd booed President Jacob Zuma. Others cheered for him. The booing showed that some people were unhappy with his government. They felt it was not living up to Mandela's example.

A Handshake Between Leaders

At the memorial, US President Barack Obama shook hands with Cuban leader Raúl Castro. This was a rare moment between the leaders of these two countries. It was the first time since 2000 that a US and Cuban head of government had shaken hands. Some politicians in the US did not like this gesture.

A Moment of Fun at the Memorial

US President Barack Obama, Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, and UK Prime Minister David Cameron took a "selfie" together. This happened during the memorial service. Some people on social media criticized them for this. Thorning-Schmidt said it was "a bit fun" and showed that leaders are "just people who have fun." Cameron said he was being polite.

Lying in State

Mandela's body lay in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. This was from 11 to 13 December 2013. About 100,000 people came to view his body over these three days. Many thousands more waited in line but could not get in. Nelson Mandela's grandson, Mandla Mandela, stayed with his grandfather's body. This was part of a special family tradition.

State Funeral in Qunu

The state funeral was held on 15 December 2013. It took place in Qunu, a village in the Eastern Cape. A large tent was set up for the ceremony. About 4,500 people attended, including many foreign leaders. The ceremony was shown on South African television. However, the filming stopped when Mandela's casket was lowered for burial. This was a request from the Mandela family.

The burial part of the funeral was private. Only about 450 selected people, mostly family and close friends, attended. Before the burial, Nelson Mandela received a 21 gun salute. Fighter jets also performed a special flyover.

Other Memorial Activities

South Africa

A crowd gathers at the Grand Parade in front of the Cape Town City Hall the day after Mandela's death.

The Mayor of Cape Town, Patricia de Lille, announced an interfaith service. It was held at the Grand Parade. This place was important because Mandela gave his first public speech there after being released from prison. A public vigil was also held there before the funeral. Cape Town also hosted a free tribute concert.

Foreign States

Many countries around the world held their own memorial services. A service was held in Abu Dhabi. A thanksgiving service took place at Westminster Abbey in London. A memorial service was also held at Washington National Cathedral in the United States.

Reactions from Around the World

People and leaders from all over the world shared their feelings about Nelson Mandela's death. They remembered his fight for freedom and peace.

South Africa's Leaders Speak

Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa, said: "Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father."
F. W. de Klerk, the former president, said: "He was a great unifier... This emphasis on reconciliation was his biggest legacy."
Helen Zille, a provincial leader, said: "We all belong to the South African family—and we owe that sense of belonging to Madiba."
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu said: "He transcended race and class... and he restored others' faith in Africa and Africans."
Human rights lawyer George Bizos said: "He will go down in history forever as the one person who set an example that fundamental differences between people can be solved without violence."

Political Parties and Institutions

Many political parties in South Africa expressed their sadness. They spoke about Mandela's vision for reconciliation. The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) changed its TV programming. It showed continuous news and tributes to Mandela. The South African Parliament held a special meeting to honor him. Cinemas also stopped showing the film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom for 24 hours.

International Organizations

Many international groups shared their condolences.

The African Union said Mandela "fought a good fight."
The European Union said he "inspired my generation and our world."
FIFA (football's world governing body) ordered flags to fly at half-mast. Its president said: "Nelson Mandela will stay in our hearts forever."
The IOC flew its flag at half-mast. Its president said Mandela was "a great friend and a hero of humanity."
The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, called Mandela "a giant for justice and a down-to-earth human inspiration."

Countries Around the World

Leaders from almost every country expressed their sorrow. They remembered Mandela's fight against unfairness and for human dignity. Many countries lowered their flags to half-mast. Some declared days of national mourning.

In Africa, leaders from countries like Algeria, Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria shared their tributes. They spoke of Mandela as a symbol of freedom and inspiration for the continent.
In Asia, leaders from China, India, Japan, and South Korea sent their condolences. India observed a five-day state mourning period.
In Europe, leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, and the Vatican City (Pope Francis) expressed their deep sadness. Many called him a "hero of our time" and an inspiration for peace and reconciliation.
In North America, US President Barack Obama said he was "one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela's life." Canada and many Caribbean nations also shared their tributes.
In Oceania, leaders from Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji praised Mandela as an "inspirational leader" and a "beacon of courage."
In South America, leaders from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Venezuela expressed their condolences. Venezuela declared three days of national mourning.

Famous Individuals

Many famous people who knew Mandela or played him in movies also shared their thoughts.

The 14th Dalai Lama called him "a man of courage, principle and unquestionable integrity."
Actor Morgan Freeman, who played Mandela in a film, said: "Madiba may no longer be with us, but his journey continues on with me and with all of us."
TV host Oprah Winfrey said: "He was everything you've ever heard and more – humble and unscathed by bitterness."

Last Will and Testament

Nelson Mandela's last will was read on 3 February 2014. His estate was worth about 46 million South African Rand. He left his money and belongings to his wife, family members, staff, schools, and the African National Congress (ANC).

Images for kids

Members of the public paying their respects outside Mandela's Houghton home.
South African flag flying half-mast outside Drakenstein Correctional Centre where Mandela was imprisoned from 1988 to his release in 1990.
The largest South African flag flying half-mast at the Donkin Reserve, Port Elizabeth.
US President Barack Obama delivering his speech at Mandela's state memorial service.
Members of the public queueing to view Mandela's body at the Union Buildings.
Qunu village in the Eastern Cape, where Mandela's funeral was held on 15 December 2013.