South
Africans of all races, ages and political persuasions paused for six
minutes and seven seconds this morning to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela
on the first anniversary of his death.
Across
the country crowds gathered to ring bells, sound sirens and blast
vuvuzelas before observing several minutes silence in a touching tribute
to his 67 years in public service.
It
was a time to remember his struggle against white-minority rule and
also to reflect upon the country's failure to capitalise on the freedom
he fought for.
Veterans
of the anti-apartheid struggle lay wreaths at the foot of a statue of
Mr Mandela in Pretoria and crowds sang 'Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika' (God
Bless Africa), the adopted national anthem.
Graca Machel (left, front), widow of Nelson Mandela, and other family members lay a wreath before the Mandela statue in Pretoria
South African children cheer and pose beside the Nelson Mandela statue at the Union Buildings in Pretoria
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