President Jacob Zuma has described the period since former president Nelson Mandela died as a long and painful one for South Africans.

The nation has been mourning since last Thursday when Madiba passed away at the age of 95. Zuma was one of the speakers at the state funeral of the global icon which still underway in Qunu in the Eastern Cape.

“As you observed the long patient queues lining the streets some silent some singing many silent what is it about this man that elicits this sincere outpouring of emotions the answer is that when people see goodness in a person they respond by reflecting goodness back at that person and on their fellow man and women .”

Rivonia trialist and long-time friend of Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada, has meanwhile paid tribute to Madiba saying he has made it possible for the lives of many people to continue to improve.

“What do we say to you Madala? the last final moments together before you exit the public stage. Your abundant reserves of love, simplicity, honesty, service, humility, care, courage, foresight, patience, tolerance, equality, tolerance, justice continually serve as a source of enormous strength to many millions in South Africa and around the world.”