Gallery Update Video
MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A sombre atmosphere settled over the otherwise lively Mossel Street in D'Almeida as mourners lined up to wait for the funeral procession of Nicklo Pedro (54) on Saturday, 22 May.
Pedro, a struggle icon and uMkhonto we Sizwe veteran, who was imprisoned on Robben Island, was granted a provincial funeral. He died of cancer on 8 May at his home in Curlew Street.
MK soldiers, captivating everyone with their singing, carried Pedro's coffin shoulder height as a priest, Father Robin du Plessis, and members of Concerned Women of Mossel Bay led the procession to All Saints Church, where the service was held.
As the procession reached the church, the police stood in a guard of honour while the church bells rang.
Photo gallery: Provincial funeral for Nicklo Pedro
Community leader, Claire du Plessis led the proceedings, attended by several dignitaries including clergy from other denominations; leadership of security and safety sectors; provincial, regional and local leadership of the ANC; and former comrades from Pedro's cadre, including MK commander Ashley Forbes.
Moving, heartfelt tributes to Pedro were given by family, friends, the community, the ANC and MK, while a soldier solemnly held the MK flag over Pedro's coffin. During a musical tribute by local saxophonist Caleb Cupido, Pedro's widow, Jacqueline wept brokenheartedly. Pedro's three children, Nicole, Callen and Jay-Jay were also present.
Watch a video below:
A letter of support from Western Cape Premier Alan Winde was read by a family member. In the letter, Winde laments not having had the privilege of meeting Pedro.
Emotions were also deeply stirred during the singing of the National Anthem, Tine Sizwe and Hamba Kahle Mkhonto.
At the end of the church service, Ashley Forbes thanked the community of Mossel Bay for "having raised a giant" in Nicklo Pedro. Pedro was part of the so-called Fighting 15 who resisted the oppressive apartheid regime and consequently served a jail sentence on Robben Island.
The last salute in church was given by members of the Fighting 15 who attended the funeral. Surrounding Pedro's coffin, draped with the ANC flag, Pedro's comrades then ceremoniously removed the flag, folded it and handed it to his widow.
After the church service, the proceedings were officially handled by the South African Police Service, which conducted and concluded the burial.
At the graveside, The Last Post was sounded and the South African flag was handed to Jacqueline Pedro.
Nicklo Pedro was the last person to be buried in a new grave at the existing Mossel Bay graveyard.
The ANC flag is handed to Jacqueline Pedro after the church service.
Previous articles:
- Update: Pedro laid to rest
- Pedro laid to rest during provincial funeral
- Fallen comrade honoured on birthday
- 'Mosselbaai se Mandela' eindelik vry
- People's soldier mourned widely
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