Top world leaders at Mandela memorial: All you need to know

Many heads and former heads of states from all around the world today flocked together to pay their last homage to the world’s anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela at South Africa’s FNB Stadium in the Soweto area bordering Johannesburg. While speeches by world leaders were welcomed and cheered by the crowds in thousands, South African President Jacob Zuma was, however, booed down. Here is all you need to know about the memorial: [caption id=“attachment_1280149” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] People at the memorial service. AFP[/caption] * Nearly 100 heads of heads of state and government were present at the stadium. They included US President Barack Obama, Cuban President Raul Castro, President of India Pranab Mukherjee, former British prime minister Tony Blair, current British Prime Minister David Cameron, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and UN chief Ban Ki-moon to name a few. * The crowd was almost mesmerised by Barack Obama. “People from every race and every walk of life of South Africa, the world thanks you for sharing Nelson Mandela with us. His struggle was your struggle. His triumph was your triumph. And your freedom and democracy were his greatest triumphs”, says Obama. Obama called him the greatest liberator of the 20th century, and compared him to Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King. Obama’s presence was akin to a rockstar. * In contrast to the wild applause given to Obama, South African President Jacob Zuma was booed. Many South Africans are unhappy with Zuma because of state corruption scandals, though his ruling African National Congress, once led by Mandela, remains the front-runner ahead of elections next year. * The first speaker was Mandela’s friend Andrew Mlangeni, who was in prison with him on Robben Island. “I have no doubt Mandela is smiling as he is looking down on his beloved countrymen coming together to celebrate his life”, said an emotional Mlangeni. Calling him an “incomparable force of leadership and kindness”, Mlangeni paid tribute to Mandela’s work to dispel racial discrimination and work under a banner of equality and kindness. * Mandela’s widow, Graca Machel, and former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela were the epitome of grace. They gave each other a long hug before the ceremonies began. * Thabo Mbeki, the former South African president who succeeded Mandela, got a rousing cheer as he entered the stands. * In contrast to the wild applause given to Obama, South African President Jacob Zuma was booed. Many South Africans are unhappy with Zuma because of state corruption scandals, though his ruling African National Congress, once led by Mandela, remains the front-runner ahead of elections next year. * South African social rights activist and retired Anglican bishop Desmond Tutu was much like a grandfather who scolded the crowd for their rude behaviour towards Zuma. He said he wanted silence so that could hear a pin drop. “We promise to God we will follow the example of Nelson Mandela,” he made the crowd swear. * Some of the dozens of trains reserved to ferry people to the stadium in Soweto, a township which revolted in 1976 against white rule, were delayed due to a power failure. A Metrorail services spokeswoman, Lilian Mofokeng, said more than 30,000 mourners were successfully transported by train. * The sounds of horns and cheering filled the stadium. The rain was seen as a blessing among many of South Africa’s majority black population. The mood was celebratory. A dazzling mix of royalty, statesmen and celebrities was in attendance. With inputs from Associated Press