World Leaders and people around the world pay tribute to Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela 1918 - 2013
A Freedom fighter, prisoner, moral compass and South Africa's symbol of the struggle against racial oppression.  That was Nelson Mandela, who emerged from prison after 27 years to lead his country out of decades of apartheid.  He died on December 5, 2013 at age 95.  

'A Man of the People'

Retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu, right, arrives with Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan for the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Soweto near Johannesburg. 

Former South African President F. W. De Klerk, right, arrives for the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela.

Dignitaries from all over the world pay tribute to the Late Nelson Mandela during his memorial service held today at the First National Bank Stadium, also known as Soccer City.   H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and First Lady Mama Salma Kikwete were also in attendance (see third roll, 2nd and 3rd right).

South African President Jacob Zuma (right) and the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon during the memorial service. 

Mandela's ex-wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (left) and his widow, Mrs. Graca Machel (right) during the memorial service. 

Nelson Mandela's face looms large on a billboard inside the FNB Stadium during the memorial service.  

Mandla Mandela (left) grandson of Nelson Mandela also was in attendance.

Princess Letizia of Spain, former US President George W. Bush and his wife Mrs. Laura Bush were also in attendance.

The United States President Barack Obama addresses the crowd during the memorial service. 

People sing and dance in heavy rain while waiting for the start of the official memorial service at the First National Bank Stadium, also known as Soccer City. 

People sing and dance as they arrive for the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, near Johannesburg, South Africa.

People sing and dance at the First National Bank (FNB) Stadium.

  

Source: AP, CNN and AlJazeera