In Pictures: Mourning Nkosi Johnson

The funeral of 12-year-old Nkosi Johnson, the South African boy who forced his country to recognise the tragedy of Aids, has taken place in Johannesburg.

The funeral attracted 1,000 mourners to the central Methodist church, as mourners paid tribute to the boy who came to symbolise South Africa's profound Aids crisis.

Nkosi's adopted family breaks down during the memorial service at Johannesburg's Methodist church

Children also attend the service to pay tribute to South Africa's Aids icon

Some of the young mourners find the proceedings too difficult to bear

Nkosi's grandmother Ruth Khumalo (centre) and foster mother, Gail Johnson (right) light candles

Nkosi's grandmother hugs Zambia's former president, Kenneth Kaunda, who attended the service

Pallbearers carry the white coffin of Nkosi Johnson for his funeral, eight days after his death

Nkosi Johnson's coffin is lowered into his grave