Tens of thousands of South Africans have converged on Soweto's World Cup stadium for a memorial service for Nelson Mandela.
Close to 100 world leaders are among 90,000 people crammed into the FNB stadium to bid farewell to a man who earned universal respect. Friends and family are also paying tribute to the man who united South Africa. Nelson Mandela's grandchildren and great-grandchildren read poems paying tribute to the former leader.
The Deputy President of the African National Congress, Cyril Ramaphosa, was among the first to address the stadium.
Western leaders are brushing shoulders with the Iranian President, African heads of state and other leaders and royalty from around the world. U2 singer Bono and Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron were among the first celebrities to arrive at the stadium. President Michael D. Higgins and the Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore are representing Ireland and the Government at the event.
Despite the sense of national sorrow triggered by Mandela's death last Thursday, the mood remains upbeat, with people determined to celebrate Mandela's memory.
UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon addressed the memorial service, saying South Africa has lost a hero and the chair of the ANC party Baleka Mbete burst into song.
Scenes of celebration have been mirrored across South Africa, as the rich and famous join with thousands of ordinary people in celebrating the life of Nelson Mandela.
