There were songs...

And there were speeches...

(SOUNDBITE) (English) MANDELA'S GRANDSON, MANDLA MANDELA, SAYING:

"And I can assure the African National Congress today that the future of this country looks bright."

The African National Congress, the party to which Nelson Mandela dedicated his life and his struggle against apartheid, holds a solemn send-off in a military air base in Pretoria.

Mandela's coffin -- draped in the ANC flag. Members of the party pay their respects.

Mandela joined the ANC in the 1940s, and was one of the founding members of its youth wing.

South African President Jacob Zuma, recalled Mandela's history in the ANC -- how he volunteered in the the defiance campaign against unjust laws, and later, how he led the armed struggle of the party.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA SAYING:

"We'd like to say to Madiba -- go well, Tata. You've played your part, you've made your contribution. We'll a