Rain is pouring out over FNB Stadium as speakers pour out sad tributes to deceased ex-president Nelson Mandela.
At 11.15am Prince Charles of Wales and his wife Camilla arrives. Shortly afterwards former President Thabo Mbeki takes to the stage followed by ANC Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa who welcomes the guests.
The service, which was scheduled for 11am, is delayed as more dignitaries are to arrive. Winnie Madikezela-Mandela’s arrival draws applause from the crowd and they chant “Winnie! Winnie! Winnie!”.
At 11.56am President Jacob Zuma enters the stage with two of his four wives amidst both cheers and booing from the crowd. Some members of the crowd give the soccer signal that indicates the replacement of a player, apparently suggesting they want a change of leadership.
The memorial event commences at 12.04am with the singing of the national anthem. Ramaphosa takes to the stage again. In his speech he reportedly says that “we are here to tell Madiba his long walk is over” and “that his walk is over but ours has just begun”.
Ramaphosa is followed by fellow Rivonia trialist and Robben Island inmate Andrew Mlangeni who tells the crowd that “he inspired us all by entering the den of the enemy. He created hope when there was none. Madiba fought against prejudice, aimed to unite all colours and creeds. I became one of Mandela’s first recruits in the MK. Madiba’s greatness as a leader stems from his humility and his beliefs. God bless Madiba; may his soul rest in peace.”
At 12.55pm US President Barack Obama finally arrives. The crowd wildly cheers and Ramaphosa has to call for order.
Ban Ki Moon then addresses the crowd on behalf of the UN. The crowd again erupts in a cheering roar as Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe appears.
While Baleka Mbete addresses the crowd, former US President Bill Clinton arrives.
South African artist Sibongile Khumalo performs a song for the crowd after which African Union (AU) Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma addresses the crowd on behalf of the AU, during which Ramaphosa once again has to ask the crowd behind the stage to stop singing.
