A sea of umbrellas added to the colour as mourners whistled, sang and danced while proceedings at the 80,000 seat venue saw proceedings delayed as the South African President Jacob Zuma and many other current and former heads of state entered.
In a marked contrast, Zuma’s predecessor, Thabo Mbeki, and Mandela’s predecessor, FR De Klerk, the country’s last white leader, received widespread applause.
In a speech, Zuma’s deputy, Cyril Ramaphosa urged the crowd to show restraint and respect Mandela’s legacy.
“We should show the same level of discipline Madiba exuded,” said Ramaphosa.
According to the PANA Correspondent, there was a moving moment when Mandela’s former wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, embraced Graca Machel, the former Mozambican First Lady, who married Mandela on his 80th birthday.
Both women were at his bedside when he died last Thursday.
Security is very tight around the venue and several streets around the stadium had been shut.
The gathering of world leaders reportedly surpassed that for the funeral of Pope John Paul II eight years ago, which was attended by 70 Heads of State.
R.I.P Madiba.
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