The South African air was filled with hymns and eulogies Sunday, praising Nelson Mandela, the country's first black president, who died Thursday, November 5. Mandela is 95.
South Africans from all background gathered together to praise Mandela and held a special day of prayer to remember the former president's contribution to end hundred years of apartheid. Mandela was a symbol of hope, freedom, and forgiveness not only for Africa, but the rest of the world.
From the Limpopo River to the Cape, millions came together inside mosques, churches, synagogues and community halls where praises were offered to Mandela who was celebrated as "Father of the Nation." Throngs of people offered flowers and balloons, lit candles and left messages outside Mandela's residence in Johannesburg.
Mandela fought the apartheid regime in South Africa as leader of the African National Congress, was branded a terrorist, and imprisoned for 27 years. He was released in 1990 and subsequently won the presidential election. Mandela won the Nobel Peace Price in 1993 for his peaceful termination of apartheid in South Africa.
"He believed in forgiveness and he forgave even those who kept him in jail for 27 years," said President Jacob Zuma in a eulogy as reported by MSN news. "He stood for freedom. He fought against those who oppressed others. He wanted everyone to be free."
A memorial service is set on Tuesday, December 10, to commemorate Mandela's contribution to South Africa and the world. The service will be held at the Johannesburg stadium. A state funeral will take place next Sunday, December 15, at Qunu, Mandela's ancestral home. The state funeral is expected to be one of the biggest gatherings of world leaders in which fifty-nine foreign heads of state have so far confirmed attendance.
Among the world leaders who confirmed to attend the memorial service on Tuesday includes U.S. President Barack Obama, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and British Prime Minister David Cameron.
U.S. President Barack Obama, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and British Prime Minister David Cameron will be among those at Tuesday's memorial.
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