{UAH} Nelson Mandela memorial service: In pictures

There had been fears people would be turned away, but the heavy rain left areas of the 95,000 capacity stadium empty.

The service is being held in front of a vociferous crowd in the FNB stadium.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu addresses the stadium, asking the crowd to be quiet - he "wants to hear a pin drop".

US President Barack Obama is welcomed by a huge cheer from the crowd as he begins his speech, in which he describes Mr Mandela as a "giant of history", adding: "The world thanks you for sharing Nelson Mandela with us."

On his way to the podium, President Obama shakes hands with Cuban President Raul Castro, an unprecedented gesture between the leaders of two nations that have been at loggerheads for more than half a century.

There were some boos for current South African President Jacob Zuma, but his keynote address was respectfully heard. He said Mr Mandela had been "one of a kind... a fearless freedom fighter who refused to allow the brutality of the apartheid state to stand in way of the struggle for the liberation of his people".

John Simpson, the BBC's World Affairs Editor said: "Despite the difficulties - the driving rain and logistical challenges - of organising this event, it must remain a source of immense pride for South Africans that a memorial for one of their own has attracted such an array of world dignitaries."

Those attending the service include US President Barack Obama, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Cuban President Raul Castro, French President Francois Hollande and British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Nelson Mandela's widow Graca Machel listens to the tributes including that by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon who said: "Mandela hated hatred. Not the people. He showed wholesome power of forgiveness. A unique gift."

Former British Prime Minister John Major (centre) greets former US Presidents George W Bush (right) and Bill Clinton (left).

Outside the stadium a man prepares to sell portraits of Mr Mandela.

 

The heavy rain continued as deputy president of the ANC Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the crowd and welcomes those in the stadium and those watching around South Africa and around the world. He said: "In our tradition, when it rains when you are buried, your gods are welcoming you to heaven."

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