LIBERATION AT LAST: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela celebrate the culmination of the struggle, the ANC's triumph at the polls in South Africa's first democratic election in 1994
Image: Times Media
Image: Times Media
Loading ...
Soldiers and police were posted at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory on Monday, ahead of Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s tribute to former president Nelson Mandela.
Roads around the venue in Houghton, Johannesburg, were closed off, and traffic in the area was heavily congested. Cars were parked on curbs for blocks.
A colourful canopy of umbrellas formed as a gentle rain fell on the people walking to join the tribute.
There were excited rumours in the crowd that US President Barack Obama might attend, but this could not be confirmed.
A stirring rendition of the Lord’s Prayer was sung by the mourners pressing up against the police barrier line, where speakers were set up to relay the service.