Tuesday, 10 December 2013
Crowds started pouring in from early in the morning, undeterred by persistent rain, and in the build-up to the ceremony mourners screamed in celebration whenever members of Mandela's family appeared on the big screen.
The rain, seen as a 'blessing' among South Africa's majority black population, enthused the crowd.
'In our culture the rain is a blessing,' said Harry Tshabalala, a government driver. 'Only great, great people are memorialised with it. Rain symbolises life. This is perfect weather for us on this occasion.'
World leaders also not withstanding the rain took up the podium to eulogize a world Icon.
UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon: 'South Africa has lost a hero, we have lost a father and the world has lost a beloved friend and mentor.
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| President Obama and Wife Michelle |
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| Equatorial Guinea's president Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo |
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| Associates: Jimmy Carter, Kofi Annan and Henry Kissinger arrived at the memorial service together |
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| George W. Bush, pictured with wife Laura, his predecessor Bill Clinton, pictured with wife Hillary and Chelsea |
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| Malawi's President Joyce Banda |
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| Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni |
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| Former South African President Thabo Mbeki |
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| Naomi Campbell |
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| Reviled Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is questioned by reporters as he makes his way into the stadium |
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| Tony Blair |
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| Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta |
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| UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon |
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| Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain (centre) is also on the guestlist for the prestigious memorial |
'Nelson Mandela was more than one of the greatest leaders of our time, he was one of our greatest teachers.
'He taught by example, he sacrificed so much and was willing to give up everything for freedom, equality and justice.
'His compassion stands out most.'
South Africa president Jacob Zuma: 'Today Madiba is no more. He leaves behind a nation that loves him dearly. He leaves a continent that is truly proud to call him an African.
South Africa president Jacob Zuma: 'Today Madiba is no more. He leaves behind a nation that loves him dearly. He leaves a continent that is truly proud to call him an African.
'United in our diversity we will continue to build a nation free of poverty, hunger, homelessness and inequality.'
Family member General Thanduxolo Mandela: 'To him, life was all about service to others.
Family member General Thanduxolo Mandela: 'To him, life was all about service to others.
'He mingled with kings, queens and presidents... At the core, he was a man of the people.'
Cuban President Raul Castro: 'Let us pay tribute to Nelson Mandela: The ultimate symbol of dignity and unwavering dedication to the revolutionary struggle, to freedom and justice, a prophet of unity, peace and reconciliation.
'As Mandela’s life teaches us, only the concerted effort of all nations will empower humanity to respond to the enormous challenges that today threatens its very existence.'
Brazilian President President Dilma Rousseff: 'He also was a source of inspiration for similar struggles in Brazil and across South America.
'His fight reached way beyond his nation’s border and inspired young men and women to fight for independence and social justice.'
Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao: 'Mr. Mandela was the pride of the African people. He has dedicated his entire life to the development and progress of the African continent.'
Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao: 'Mr. Mandela was the pride of the African people. He has dedicated his entire life to the development and progress of the African continent.'
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown: 'His life was just an extraordinary journey, from beginning to end, with such an effect, both on his own country, and on the rest of the world. We may not see his like again.'
