Madiba earned his place in history: Obama
"It is an honour to be with you today, to celebrate a life like no other," he said.
"People of every walk of life, the world thanks you for sharing Mandela with us. His struggle was your struggle. His triumph was your triumph."
Obama said Mandela was the last great liberator of the 20th century.
He was committed to democracy and rule of law, and received the adoration he deserved.
Madiba could admit to imperfection.
"We loved him so....He was a man of flesh and blood, a son and a husband...that's why we learnt so much from him."
He earned his place in history through the struggle.
Madiba channelled his desire to fight through platforms and organisation, so that people could stand up with moral dignity and fight.
That carried a price, he said.
He had an ideal for which he was prepared to die for.
"Mandela taught us the power of action and the power of ideals, the importance of reasons and arguments. He understood the ideals could not be contained within prison walls," said Obama, to loud cheers from the crowd.
"He used decades of prison to sharpen his argument... he learnt the language and customs of his oppressors."
Mandela was not afraid to compromise for the sake of a larger goal. He understood the ties that bind the human spirit.
He was committed to democracy and rule of law, and received the adoration he deserved.
Madiba could admit to imperfection.
"We loved him so....He was a man of flesh and blood, a son and a husband...that's why we learnt so much from him."
"Ubuntu, a word that captures Mandela's greatest gift," said Obama.
He sent condolences to the Mandela family and South Africa
(File photo: Gallo Images)
- Sapa