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Home · Celebrity

PHOTOS: South Africa's Memorial Service for Nelson Mandela

Thousands gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela during a memorial service held in Soccer City in Johannesburg. Interestingly, the stadium was also the place where Madiba made his last public appearance during the World Cup in 2010. Over 60 heads of state were in attendance. As were celebrities and international dignitaries. During his eulogy, President Barack Obama called Madiba the "last great liberator of the 20th Century." Here's a look at how the world said goodbye.

By Yolanda Sangweni · December 10, 2013October 27, 2020
01
Nelson Mandela Memorial Service in South Africa

Members of the public attend the Nelson Mandela memorial service at the FNB Stadium, on December 10, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Over 60 heads of state have traveled to South Africa to attend a week of events commemorating the life of former South African President Nelson Mandela. Mr. Mandela passed away on the evening of December 5, 2013 at his home in Houghton at the age of 95. Mandela became South Africa’s first black president in 1994 after spending 27 years in jail for his activism against apartheid in a racially-divided South Africa.

Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
02
Nelson Mandela Memorial Service in South Africa

South Africa’s archbishop emeritus and honorary Elders, Desmond Tutu, gestures while delivering a speech during the memorial service for late South African President Nelson Mandela at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg on December 10, 2013.  He ended the service saying “We promise God that we are going to follow the example of Nelson Mandela.”

PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images
03
Nelson Mandela Memorial Service in South Africa

People holding umbrellas attend the memorial service for South African former president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium (Soccer City) in Johannesburg on December 10, 2013. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, died in Johannesburg on December 5 at age 95.

PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images
04
Nelson Mandela Memorial Service in South Africa

Late South African President Nelson Mandela’s daughters Ndileka Mandela (L) and Makaziwe Mandela arrive at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg to attend the memorial service for their father on December 10, 2013.

ELMOND-JIYANE/AFP/Getty Images
05
Nelson Mandela Memorial Service in South Africa

South Africans attend the memorial service for late South African President Nelson Mandela at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.

MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
06
Nelson Mandela Memorial Service in South Africa

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, left, Nelson Mandela’s former wife, attends the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Soweto near Johannesburg, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013.

AP Photo/Matt Dunham
07
Nelson Mandela Memorial Service in South Africa

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, second left, Nelson Mandela’s former wife, and Mandela’s window Graca Machel, right, listen to speeches during the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Soweto near Johannesburg, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013.

AP Photo/Matt Dunham
08
Nelson Mandela Memorial Service in South Africa

President Barack Obama speaks to Nelson Mandela’s widow Graca Machel during the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Soweto near Johannesburg, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013.

AP Photo/Matt Dunham
09
Nelson Mandela Memorial Service in South Africa

Singer Bono and South African actor Charlize Theron arrive for the official memorial service for former South African President Nelson Mandela at FNB Stadium December 10, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
10
Nelson Mandela Memorial Service in South Africa

From left, Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Laura Bush, Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Former U.S. President George W. Bush listen to speakers during the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Soweto near Johannesburg, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013.

AP Photo/Matt Dunham
11
Nelson Mandela Memorial Service in South Africa

President Barack Obama waves as he arrives to speak to crowds attending the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013.

AP Photo/Evan Vucci
12
Nelson Mandela Memorial Service in South Africa
President Barack Obama
Getty Images
13
Nelson Mandela Memorial Service in South Africa

Mandla Mandela, left, the grandson of Nelson Mandela on stage during for the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, near Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday Dec. 10, 2013.

AP Photo/Matt Dunham
14
Nelson Mandela Memorial Service in South Africa

A boy with “Rest In Peace Nelson Mandela” painted on his face looks up to the skies during the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, near Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013.

AP Photo/Peter Dejong
15
Nelson Mandela Memorial Service in South Africa

Emily Isaacs and Tshidiso Mashilo were part of thousands that gathered at the FNB stadium for the memorial service of former president Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg.

LAUREN MULLIGAN © THE TIMES

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