World pays tribute to former South African president

Tens of thousands of people, including foreign dignitaries and family members, gather at the FNB Stadium in Soweto to honour the memory of Nelson Mandela

US president Barack Obama, South African leader Jacob Zuma and Reverend Desmond Tutu all paid tribute to Nelson Mandela at a memorial service in Soweto, South Africa.

Addressing the thousands that had gathered in the Soweto stadium in the pouring rain, Mr Obama said: "The world thanks you for sharing Nelson Mandela with us."

"His struggle was your struggle, his triumph was your triumph.

"Your dignity and your hope found expression in his life."

Seats remained empty in the 95,000-seater stadium with poor attendence being blamed on the unpopularity of President Jacob Zuma and torrential rain.