Hundreds of mourners united in prayer, song and dance at the University of Johannesburg Soweto campus to bid a final farewell to veteran actor Joe Mafela.
The emotionally-charged funeral service was filled with colourful Tshivenda traditions, gospel songs that had mourners on their feet and touching tributes from those close to the actor.
Among the hundreds of mourners were numerous high-profile personalities, including Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa, singer Abigail Kubeka, actress Manaka Ranaka, Thando Thabethe, Thembi Mtshali and Lillian Dube.
"Over decades he remained on the centre stage. In his own way he demonstrated that black lives matter," Mthethwa said.
The minister applauded Mafela's contribution to the arts and pledged to help the actor's family continue his legacy.
Actress Thembi Mtshali who spoke on behalf of the veterans in the acting world said that she was still in disbelief over her friends death.
Mafela's daughter Mpho Mafela, who spoke on behalf of her mother and family applauded her father for empowering them.
Mpho detailed fond memories how they got to see the world because of their dad.
Mafela's funeral was filled with an outpouring of tributes, which told a story of a man who touched the lives of so many people through his humour and humility.
Representative from The Queen Mother and King of Swaziland attended the funeral and paid homage to Mafela for the contribution he made to needy people in the country.
While there was a sense of sadness in the air, it was also a celebration of the way Mafela lived his life and the legacy he's left behind.
There were many moments when mourners were on their feet and danced around Mafela's casket in celebration of his life.
Mafela who died on 18 March after being involved in a car accident has been laid to rest at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg.
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