Helicopters bearing the South African flag and a formation flight by several jets took to the skies over Qunu, in the Eastern Cape, on Sunday for the burial of former president Nelson Mandela.
Mandela’s coffin was placed over his grave and soldiers folded the South African flag which had rested on the casket. A prayer was said at his grave side.
Earlier, a slow-marching military procession had escorted the coffin on a gun carriage from the venue where Mandela’s funeral service was held.
When it came to a halt, straps securing the coffin were removed; soldiers tilted the coffin and gently eased it off of the gun carriage.
Eight military pallbearers then pushed the coffin on a trolley toward the gravesite. Muffled drums played in the background.
The lowering of the coffin was not televised.
A 21-gun salute also fired.