Nelson Mandela's funeral ends, leader to be buried in Qunu (Pics)

Johannesburg, Dec 10: "From North to South, East to West, Africa is mourning," said an emotional President Zuma, while paying his tribute to the Madiba, the leader Nelson Mandela.

Not only him, but world leaders from all over the world paid their homage to the world's most respected leader-Nelson Mandela-on his funeral.

4:48 pm: Memorial service began with an emotional note by the leaders of African countries. Close to 90 head of states and dignitaries including Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Hillary Clinton, British PM David Cameron, South African President Jacob Zuma, Jimmy Carter and Desmond Tutu were among the leaders who were present there.

President Pranab Mukherjee will also address the audience at the Soweto Stadium where the funeral is being held. Other Indian politicians to join the funeral ceremony include Sushma Swaraj and Sonia Gandhi.

5:01 pm: The crowd is swooning to the tune of "My life is in your hand".

USA President Barack Obama is on the podium to address the people and pay his condolences. "To the people of every race and walk of life in South Africa , thanks to you for sharing Nelson Mandela with us," he said. "Madiba, like Gandhi would lead a resistance movement for equality and justice," he further added.

Speaking very high of Nelson Mandela, Obama said that he left a lesson behind for all the people to follow. Mandela's smile spoke of serenity, but all knew the determination behind that smile. Obama further spoke about Mandela's contribution to the country and the world, setting an example of equality, love and brotherhood.

Obama reminds the people of Mandela's ideologies and principals, saying," Madiba strongly resisted being compared to an icon. He was strong inside and practical too and was willing to step down after just one term in office."

"He changed laws, but he changed hearts too. He taught us the power of action and the power of ideas. May God Bless the memory of Nelson Mandela, may God bless the people of South Africa," said Obama as a concluding note.

5:45 pm:Brazilian President Dilam Vana Rousseff speaks at the conglomeration, saying that Mandela was the most outstanding personality of the 20th century, championing the anti-apartheid campaign. His fight for justice, freedom and equality became a paradigm for the entire world and not just South Africa.

5:50 pm: The Chinese President addresses the crowd expressing his sorrow at the demise of Mandela. However, he said that it is great to see that the people of south Africa are carrying the ideologies and the principals of the Madiba. "Great to see South Africa leading the developing nations in economy and politics," he said.

6:00 pm: President of India Pranab Mukherjee takes the podium. Immediately after he began his speech, he was interrupted by a group of band members who were then asked to stop their music.

After which, the speech continued. Mukherjee said:

"I on behalf of the Republic of India share your sense of loss. Madiba represents a great soul and we pray for his soul. We admire him for his perseverance for attaining a seemingly impossible goal for his people, almost akin to the Indian 'satyagraha' for freedom. We admire him for what he stood for. To us, he was a visionary, who epitomised uncommon humanness and was an icon of irreversable change, compassion and wisdom. He represented tolerance and harmonious existence."

Mukherjee further referred to Madiba's visit to India and the Sabarmati Ashram and said that the people of India associated with the South Africans in their fight for equality. Mahatma Gandhi too had begun his struggle in South Africa and so did Madiba.

Mukherjee ended his condolence hailing the great soul of Nelson Mandela and India.

6:30 pm: Just before the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, began his speech, the crowd welcomes him with a wonderful song "Freedom Song!" and the president joined too.

Recounting the life of Nelson Mandela, President Zuma said,"He was one of a kind as no one fought like him. The "Freedom Song" is an apt description of the man who championed the liberation movement in South Africa. His passing has marked an unprecedented grief across the world. "

He spoke of the Madiba moment as the moment when he touched the lives of the people across the world. "We do not call him the father of South of Africa because of political correctness, but because Madiba was a courageous leader who represented a dream even if at a huge cost, " he said.

He thanked the world leaders for their presence in the event.

6:57 pm: Holy speech by the priest begins

7:30 pm: Archbishop Desmond Tutu speaks of the Great Soul, asserting that the people of South Africa should carry on the tradition of Madiba and his discipline. "Thank God we will follow his path," he said.

With this Mandela's funeral ceremony comes to an end, while a formal announcement of his burial in Qunu on Sunday is made.

In Johannesburg

Sonia Gandhi, right, is greeted as she arrives for the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Soweto near Johannesburg, Tuesday, Dec. 10

In Johannesburg

India's President Pranab Mukherjee, 2nd left, arrives for the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, near Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday Dec. 10, 2013.

In Johannesburg

India's President Pranab Mukherjee, 2nd left, arrives for the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, near Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday Dec. 10, 2013.

In Johannesburg

A general view of the arena during the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, near Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday Dec. 10, 2013.

In Johannesburg

Nelson Mandela's widow Graca Machel, right, and his former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, left, sit on stage during the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Soweto near Johannesburg, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013.

In Johannesburg

VIP's and dignitaries stand up for the start of the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, near Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday Dec. 10, 2013

In Johannesburg

People sing and dance as they arrive for the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, near Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday Dec. 10, 2013.

In Johannesburg

India's President Pranab Mukherjee and Sonia Gandhi arrives for the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, near Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday Dec. 10, 2013.

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