Mandela's remains transferred to air base

THE remains of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela have been transferred to Waterkloof air base for a farewell from the African National Congress.

The military handed over Mandela's flag-draped coffin to the African National Congress (ANC) at a solemn ceremony broadcast live on South African television. The remains were to be returned to military control later on Saturday. It will then be flown to the Eastern Cape in preparation for Mandela's funeral the following day. Mandela's casket is expected to arrive on Saturday afternoon and to be greeted by a full military ceremony. The late president died just over a week ago at age 95. His body lay in state for three days this week, drawing huge crowds of South Africans who mourned his death and celebrated his successful struggle against apartheid.