National day of prayers, reflection in honour of Madiba

@SITHOLEEXPRESS

 

Activities across the country are being held on Sunday to mark a national day of prayer and reflection in honour of former President Nelson Mandela.

Ninety-five-year-old Mandela passed away on Thursday evening at his Houghton home in Johannesburg after a long illness. He will be laid to rest next Sunday at his home village of Qunu in the Eastern Cape.

A prayer service in honour of Mandela is underway at the Standard Bank Arena in Johannesburg. Thousands of people are there - many dressed in African National Congress (ANC) colours.


Picture by Manqoba Nchunu

Amongst those who are attending, are representatives of various religious groupings, traditional leaders and political leaders such as ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, ANC Gauteng chairman Paul Mashatile and provincial secretary David Makhura.

 

Picture by Horisani Sithole

Earlier hundreds of worshipers at the famous Regina Mundi Church in Soweto dedicated their church service to the selfless spirit of Madiba. Scores of both local and international journalists were also at the church service.


Picture by Sthembiso Sithole

Among the worshipers is the United States ambassador to South Africa Pat Gaspard.


Picture by Sthembiso Sithole

United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa also attended the service.


Picture by Sthembiso Sithole

Outside Mandela’s home, in Houghton, hundreds of people came to pay tribute to Madiba. People were there to lay flowers and candles and comfort each other. This after a night vigil that was held Saturday night.


Picture by Njanji Chauke

 

This article first appeared on SABCNews site