XCLUSIV FOTOS: Nelson Mandela’s Memorial Service

Thousands of people are joining world leaders at a memorial service for former South African President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg.
The service is being held at the FNB stadium, where Mr. Mandela made his last public appearance. It is also being shown on big screens at three “overflow” stadiums.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and 4 ex-PMs, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Mr. and Mrs. Clinton, Zimbabwean President Robert Mogabe, current UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, former UN Secretary General Busumburu Kofi Annan among other leaders from all over the world graced the all-important ceremony.

Alongside the politicians a number of figures from the world of entertainment are attending the ceremony, including U2’s lead singer Bono, South African actress Charlize Theron, Supermodel Naomi Campbell, who Mr. Mandela described as his ‘honorary granddaughter’ among others.

The stadium is bookended with two huge portraits with the simple words “Nelson Mandela 1918-2013.” US President Barack Obama today paid an emotional tribute to Nelson Mandela.

Among the other international dignitaries to attend the event are several current and former British leaders, including David Cameron, Nick Clegg, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and John Major.

The memorial also featured tributes by some of the anti-Apartheid icon’s family and a speech from United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Check out pictures from the ceremony: