Johannesburg - Tuesday is an important day for South Africa, Africa and the world, the ANC said on the sidelines ahead of the official memorial service for former president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Soweto.
“Scores of people have braved the rain to bid a final farewell to our beloved statesman and global icon Tata Madiba,” ANC spokeswoman Khusela Sangoni said.
“Today (Tuesday) will be a day of celebration of a life well lived and a reflection on the opportunities presented to collectively live up to the values Madiba espoused.”
The FNB Stadium in Soweto, the site where Mandela gave his first inland speech after being released from prison in 1990, was filling up with people.
Many, dressed in ANC regalia, sang struggle songs and blew vuvuzelas in tribute to Mandela, who died at his Houghton, Johannesburg, home on Thursday aged 95. - Sapa