Nelson Mandela’s memorial was held at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa today. The memorial which had about 91 world leaders in attendance is arguably the biggest gathering of world leaders in modern history.
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| British Prime Minister: David Cameron |
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| Koffi Anan and ArchBishop Desmond Tutu |
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| US Convoy of President and past presidents and their wives |
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| The Eiffel Tower reflects the colours of the South African flag in honour of Nelson Mandela |
One highlight if the memorial was when spiritual leaders of different religion & creed came up to take the opening prayer. The programme director of the event stated that Nelson Mandela would have wanted that. This goes to further cement the legacy of the late world Icon: Love, Unity, Peace and Freedom.
The stadium which is said to have a capacity of 95,000 was filled with people who braved the rain to pay their respects. It was said that the rain symbolizes peace and acceptance of Mandela into the gates of heaven.
American Gospel artiste, Kirk Franklin was one of the musicians who performed at the memorial.
Mandela represented the moral conscience of South Africa and many are worried that with him gone, there may be agitation in the country.
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| Icon of Freedom: Archived photo when Mandela was released from prison |
Tributes were paid to Mandela by world leaders including Ban Ki-Moon, Pres. Barack Obama, Mandela’s son, grand children and great grand children.
“We will never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again, but let me say to the young people of Africa, you can make his life’s work your own… While I will always fall short of Madiba’s example, he makes me want to be a better man” -Pres. Barack Obama
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| US President, Barack Obama paying tribute to Nelson Mandela |
South African president, Jacob Zuma gave the keynote speech at the memorial which was broadcast live on major news stations around the world.
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| Unprecedented moment: handshake between two opposing neighbours, Raul Castro (Cuba) and Barack Obama (USA) |
Amongst world leaders who attended are: President Goodluck Jonathan and past President Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), Prime Minister David Cameron and former Prime Minister, Tony Blair (Great Britain), President Barack Obama and the 3 former presidents of the United States of America and their wives {Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and George. Bush,), UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon and former UN Sec. Gen Koffi Anan.
Celebrities such as Bono, Charlize Theron and Naomi Campbell were also in attendance.
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| U2’s lead singer Bono and actress Charlize Theron at the memorial |
