Thousands Mourn Govan Mbeki
- Share via
PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa — Thousands of mourners, including Nelson Mandela and South African President Thabo Mbeki gathered today for the funeral of Mbeki’s father, a famous anti-apartheid activist.
In accordance with his wishes, Govan Mbeki was buried in a simple cemetery, among the ordinary people he served.
He died Thursday after a long illness at the age of 91.
A teacher, author and political leader in his own right, Mbeki spent 23 years in prison with Mandela under apartheid.
Attending the service were members of the Cabinet, senior diplomats, business leaders, King Letsie III of Lesotho and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Mbeki was buried wrapped in a blanket bearing the markings of the Congress of South African Trade Unions and wearing a cap of the African National Congress.
Associated Press
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
