Human rights champion George Bizos laid to rest in moving farewell
The late human rights lawyer and activist - Advocate George Bizos has been hailed as a champion of the oppressed - a title the President says is bestowed on the rarest of individuals.
A special official funeral service is being held at Greek Orthodox Church in Johannesburg.
He passed away last week at the age of 92.
Bizos fled conflict in his native Greece at the age of 13. He was later denied citizenship by the apartheid government - who said he wasn't fit and proper.
Delivering the eulogy, President Cyril Ramaphosa described Bizos as a patriot and a hero.
"He was the embodiment of a fit, proper South African citizen. It was an honour and a privilege to have known the man who lies here. George your friend of 65 years - Madiba is waiting to welcome you.
"Your other good friend Arthur Chaskalson is waiting to discuss the legal cases that you beoth got involved in and some of those that you argued before him as chief justice."
Bizos' grandson, Nicholas Bizos earlier told mourners it's been stunning to see the outpouring of support for his grandfather.
He says he has conflicting emotions.
"The problem with having someone has revered as him is that you come to believe that he is immortal. There is now a deep sadness that he has finally passed on, yet some relief that the suffering of his last few months has ended.
"A heavy heart that his home now sits empty, yet a warmth to know he is reunited with our beloved grandmother and his wife, Rita.
"The agony that there are no longer long, memorable, important stories to hear him tell, but immense pride that his stories are those that will be told forever.
