President Jacob Zuma got a mixed reception at the memorial service for former president Nelson Mandela.
While sections of the crowd booed him when he entered the stadium today – and later, when his picture was shown – others cheered him. The crowd also made “substitution” signals as they jeered him. In contrast, Kgalema Motlanthe, Thabo Mbeki and FW de Klerk were cheered.
The memorial service for former president Nelson Mandela started in earnest at the FNB stadium despite the intermittent Joburg summer rain. The stadium was about 70% full at the start.
South African Jewish Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein was the first to open the multifaith service, which is being led by ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa and chairperson Baleka Mbete.
Among the mourners are Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, Brazil President Dilma Rouseff and Botswana President Ian Khama.
Some of the prominent figures spotted at the stadium were Hollywood actress Charlize Theron and U2’s Bono.
-CityPress
