Memorial celebrates Mandela’s life

World leaders and thousands of South Africans came together today to honour Nelson Mandela.

The memorial service for the anti-apartheid icon began in a heavy rainfall at noon local time with the singing of the national anthem. It took place at the stadium in Johannesburg where Mandela made his last public appearance during the closing ceremony of the 2010 World Cup.

Nearly 100 world leaders were there to pay their respects, including prime minister Stephen Harper and four of his predecessors.

Those who weren’t able to get into the stadium can pay their respects later this week. Mandela’s body will lie in state for three days at the union buildings in Pretoria.

His burial will be held in the small village where he grew up.