Mandela buried in rolling hills of South Africa

“He tightly held my hand, it was profoundly heartbreaking,” Kathrada said, his voice quavering with emotion.

“How I wish I never had to confront what I saw. I first met him 67 years ago and I recall the tall, healthy strong man, the boxer, the prisoner who easily wielded the pick and shovel when we couldn't do so.”

The songs and speeches in the tent ceremony were broadcast on big screens in the area, including at one spot on a hill overlooking Mandela's property.

Several hundred people gathered there, some wearing colors of the African National Congress—the liberation movement-turned political part that Mandela used to lead—and occasionally breaking into song.

“A great tree has fallen, he is now going home to rest with his forefathers,” said Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, a representative of Mandela's family. “We thank them for lending us such an icon.”

Mandela's widow, Grace Machel, and his second wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, were dressed in black and sat on either side of South African President Jacob Zuma.

Guests included veterans of the military wing of the African National Congress, the liberation movement that became the dominant political force after the end of apartheid, as well as U.S. Ambassador Patrick Gaspard and other foreign envoys.