Tens of thousands have turned out to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela at a memorial service for him held at a football stadium in Soweto.
Leaders from around the world joined the Mandela family including David Cameron and his three predecessors along with nearly all the surviving US Presidents.
Chair of the World Evangelical Alliance and Johannesburg pastor Ndaba Mazabane, who was at today's memorial told Premier why it was such a special occasion for him.
Celebrities such as Bono and Oprah Winfrey also attended to listen to speeches from faith leaders and politicians.
President Obama was given huge applause as he paid tribute saying the former South African leader makes him "want to be a better man".
Speaking to the crowd he said: "His struggle was your struggle; his triumph was your triumph. Your dignity and hope found expression in his life and your freedom."
Nelson Mandela died last Thursday following a long battle with a lung condition. His death set in motion ten days of mourning which culminates with his funeral on Sunday.
Today's service was one of the biggest gatherings of international dignitaries in recent years, with Sunday's funeral expected to be a much smaller event.
UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon also addressed the memorial service, saying South Africa has lost a hero.
He said: "It is a duty of all of us who loved him. "To keep his memory alive in our hearts and to embody his example in our lives."
South Africa's president, Jacob Zuma, received a hostile reception though - he was booed at the stadium - ahead of his keynote speech. He said there is 'no one like Madiba'. Despite concerns over the safety of those trying to get into the stadium, many seats were left empty.
Those who did get in, didn't let the heavy rain dampen their spirit as they sang and danced their way through the service.
Errol Naidoo, the founder of the Christian based Family Policy Institute told Premier's Des Busteed on the News Hour why he thought there was an atmosphere of celebration in the stadium.
Nelson Mandela's body will now lie in state in Pretoria for three days before the state funeral takes place on Sunday in his home village of Qunu.