Nelson Mandela to be given tribal farewell

Xhosa elders are preparing to smooth Madiba's journey into the spiritual world in a traditional tribal farewell this weekend.

The family have insisted the rites are woven into the service on Sunday, which will also incorporate the formality of both a state and military funeral.

The Xhosa rituals involve the slaughtering of two oxen: one before his body arrives from Pretoria at his ancestral home of Qunu in the Eastern Cape, and another on the morning of the burial.

In between, the king of the abaThembu clan will offer salutations to the dead to stave off the wrath of the recently departed.

Nokuzola Mndende, a scholar of African religion, explained to the Associated Press news agency: "Mandela will be sent off into the spiritual world so that he is welcomed in the world of ancestors. And also so that he doesn't get angry."

Tribal elders are revered for their advice, even after death, and nearly half of all South Africans practise African religions according to a poll by the Pew Center - even those who regularly attend Christian services.

In the persistent drizzle, the giant white canopy designed to keep the VIPs and mourners dry is nearing completion.