'Dignified' South Africans praised at Mandela memorial
South Africans were praised for the “dignified” way in which they have commemorated the death of Nelson Mandela as the memorial service for the anti-apartheid hero got under way.
Thousands of ordinary South Africans sang God Bless Africa – Nkosi Sikelel’i Afrika – as they joined leaders at the FNB stadium in Soweto amid driving rain.
ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed leaders from countries around the world.
“We wish to applaud the people of South Africa for the dignified manner in which they have honoured and remembered the memory of Nelson Mandela since he passed away. We applaud you and thank you for it,” he said at the start of the service.
Seen arriving at the service were supermodel Naomi Campbell, rock star Bono, former South African president FW De Klerk, ex-US secretary of state Hillary Clinton and former French president Nicholas Sarkozy.
Mr Mandela, who died last Thursday aged 95, made his last public appearance at the stadium at the closing ceremony of the 2010 football World Cup.
Members of the audience got to their feet and waved South African flags in spite of the downpour.
The service heard from Andrew Mlangeni, a former prisoner on Robben Island with Mr Mandela, who spoke of the “outpouring of love” following his death.
“Madiba is looking down on us. There is no doubt he is smiling and he watches his beloved country, men and women, unite to celebrate his life and legacy,” he said.
The thousands of people gathered in the stadium to hear speeches from statesmen including US President Barack Obama, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and South African President Jacob Zuma's keynote address.
After the memorial service, Mr Mandela’s body will lie in state at South Africa’s seat of government, the Union Buildings in Pretoria, until he is laid to rest in a state funeral at his home town of Qunu in the Eastern Cape on Sunday.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the television screens focused on President Obama and his wife Michelle in the stadium.
Also present were former US president George Bush and his wife Laura, former US president Bill Clinton, and French president Francois Hollande.
Boos were heard for Mr Zuma.
UN secretary general Mr Ban, addressing the service, said: “South Africa has lost a hero, we have lost a father and the world has lost a friend and mentor.
“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.”
