Thousands of South Africans
converged in sorrow, celebration and pride on Tuesday on Soweto’s World Cup
stadium, at a memorial service for unifying global icon Nelson Mandela.
Close to 100 world leaders were
among 80,000 people expected to cram into the venue in Soweto — the crucible of
Mandela’s anti-apartheid struggle — to bid farewell to a man whose life story
earned uncommon universal respect.
Despite the profound sense of national
sorrow triggered by Mandela’s death last Thursday, the mood was upbeat, with
people determined to celebrate the memory of one of the 20th century’s towering
political figures.
Many of the songs flowing from the terraces harked back to the apartheid-era struggle, but the atmosphere was one of inclusion.
For once in world politics global
rivalries was put on pause, as world leaders from all corners of the paid
glowing tribute to the iconic political leader Nelson Madiba Mandela
The presidents of the United States
and Cuba were among those sharing the memorial stage, pausing rivalries that
date back to the Cold War to pay tribute as millions around the world looked
on.
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