Johannesburg - Global anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela united South Africa once again as prayer services were held in Johannesburg and across the country on Sunday.
Prayer service are underway at the Bryanston Methodist Church. President Jacob Zuma, Winnie Madikizela Mandela, Mandla Mandela and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane all in attendance.
At the Bryanston Methodist Church in Johannesburg, President Jacob Zuma sat in the front row next to ANC MP and Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Zuma wore a black tie and jacket over a white shirt and Madikizela-Mandela wore a black turban, an elaborate black necklace, and large, round earrings.
Other members of the Mandela family, including Nelson Mandela's grandson Mandla, were also seated in the front. Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile and TV personality Dali Tambo sat alongside one another.
Members of the congregation lifted their hands in praise during singing. Dozens of children sat on the floor in the front of the church.
Also in Johannesburg, at the Bethesda Methodist Church in Orange Grove, Rev Mzwandile Molo was flanked by choir members wearing red dresses with white lapels and hats as he lit a candle and discussed Mandela's life.
A baby's cry echoed over the silence in the packed church. ANC chairwoman Baleka Mbete was believed to be in attendance at the church. - Sapa and Brendan Roane