Johannesburg - South Africa will see a rainbow of hope following the death of former president Nelson Mandela, United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-Moon said on Tuesday.
“I am deeply honoured... to attend the state memorial service for Nelson Mandela,” Ban said at Mandela's memorial service at the FNB Stadium in Soweto.
“This memorial is a wondrous display of this rainbow nation. I hope we will be able to see the rainbow soon, through the rain of sadness.”
He said Mandela had been prepared to give up everything for freedom and democracy.
“The world has lost a beloved friend and mentor. He was more than one of the greatest leaders of our time: he was the greatest teacher. He taught by example,” he said.
“Lama Ngoxolo (Rest in piece).”
The crowd booed former US president George W Bush, when he appeared on the screen at the stadium.
As ANC chairwoman Baleka Mbete introduced Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, the crowd loudly cheered.
Sapa