Is this REALLY time to take a selfie, Dave? Cameron and Obama strike a pose with Danish PM during memorial service for Mandela (after President's historic handshake with Fidel Castro's brother)

For the thousands of mourners inside Johannesburg's FNB Stadium it was meant to be a fitting tribute to a 'giant of history'.

But while some reflected on the remarkable life of Nelson Mandela, some world leaders saw it as the perfect opportunity to grab a quick 'selfie' with their peers.

Perhaps not in keeping with the tone of a memorial service, US President Barack Obama, Prime Minister David Cameron and Danish leader Helle Thorning-Schmidt grinned as they cosied up for a quick picture at today's memorial service for the former South African president, prompting an outpouring of criticism.

As the trio posed for the mobile phone snap, Obama's wife Michelle sat alongside her husband looking less than impressed.

Obama had earlier paid an emotional tribute to Nelson Mandela, calling the South African leader a 'giant of history' as he spoke in a stadium where around a third of the seats were mysteriously left empty.

Selfie: David Cameron and Barack Obama took a picture of themselves alongside Denmark's prime minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt

President Barack Obama and Danish prime minister, Helle Thorning-Schmidt chat during the ceremony

Mrs Thorning-Schmidt then points out something of interest in the order of service

They then share a joke during the poignant memorial to Nelson Mandela

Obama and the Danish Prime Minister share a joke during the memorial service as the First Lady looks on unimpressed

Eulogy: U.S. President Obama waves to the crowd as he delivers his speech at the memorial service for Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg

Passion: Mr Obama spoke of how he was inspired by Mandela's political mission when he began his own career

Fitting setting: A general view of the arena which was the location of Mr Mandela's first speech in Johannesburg after he was released from prison in 1990

Rare display of unity: President Obama shakes hands with Cuban leader Raul Castro in spite of the animosity between their governments

Historic: The handshake between Obama and Fidel Castro's brother Raul came during a ceremony that focused on Mandela's legacy of reconciliation

'His triumph was your triumph': President Barrack Obama is shown on a big screen as he delivers his eulogy to flag-waving and umbrella-holding mourners

Mutual respect: President Obama speaks to Nelson Mandela's widow Graca Machel during the memorial service

Giving his condolences: President Obama kisses Nelson Mandela's widow Graca Machel during the memorial service

The image of the US president, British Prime Minister and Danish leader - who is married to Neil Kinnock's son, Stephen, who did not appear to be at the event - taking the photo quickly went viral on the internet.

It led to a backlash from Twitter users who said it was inappropriate behaviour at an event to remember the life of the anti-apartheid hero, who died last week aged 95.

Twitter user James Armitage wrote: 'What selfish morons take a 'selfie' at a memorial service? Oh yeah that's right, Barack Obama and David Cameron.'

In a message directed at Mr Cameron, Sarah McDermott said: 'You have precisely zero class or decorum.'

Writing on Twitter, Mel Huang said: 'I wonder if Neil Kinnock got an ulcer seeing his daughter-in-law do a selfie with David Cameron...at a memorial service.'

President Obama, who moments earlier had shaken hands with Cuba's Raul Castro in a historic moment of reconciliation, receivied a rapturous reception for his eulogy at the service in Johannesburg's FNB Stadium, which started an hour late in the pouring rain.

Cyril Ramaphosa, the deputy president of the ruling ANC party who opened the proceedings, said: 'In our tradition, when it rains when you are buried, your gods are welcoming you to heaven.'

Leaders: Tony Abbott, John Key and David Cameron, prime ministers of Australia, New Zealand and Britain respectively, at the service

Representatives: David Cameron and Nick Clegg were attending the ceremony along with three former Prime Ministers of Britain

Arrival: Mr Cameron, Mr Clegg and John Major walking in to the FNB Stadium this morning

Dignitaries: Sir John Major and Tony Blair were two of the former Prime Ministers of the UK to attend in honour of Mandela

Support: Gordon Brown, who paid tribute to Mandela in the Commons yesterday, with his wife Sarah and George W. Bush

SYMBOLIC HANDSHAKE THAT COULD CHANGE HISTORY

Today's handshake between Barack Obama and Raul Castro was an extraordinary symbolic moment, which could show that the two presidents are ready to improve ties between their countries.
Cuba and the U.S. were extremely close for decades, before an army led by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara overthrew the government of the island nation in 1959.
The next year, America imposed an economic embargo against Cuba in the hope of weakening the regime.
The U.S. views Cuba with suspicion because of its Communist government, while Castro's regime has long regarded America as its bitterest enemy.
After Fidel resigned as president in 2008 due to ill-health, there were hopes that his brother Raul might prove less hostile to the U.S., but relations do not seem to have thawed before today.
The two leaders' handshake could be a false dawn, however, as the two countries have looked close to a diplomatic breakthrough in the past before backsliding towards hostility.

Mr Obama arrived almost an hour after the ceremony started, but was greeted with prolonged applause by the crowd - in stark contrast to South African president Jacob Zuma, who was loudly booed whenever he appeared on the stadium's big screen.

When Mr Zuma walked up to the podium to deliver the keynote speech at the ceremony, he was met with a huge chorus of boos, forcing organisers to bring in a choir to drown out the noise of the crowd and save the president's blushes.

Mr Obama opened his speech by thanking Mandela's family, then continued: 'To the people of South Africa - people of every race and walk of life - the world thanks you for sharing Nelson Mandela with us.

'His struggle was your struggle. His triumph was your triumph. Your dignity and hope found expression in his life, and your freedom, your democracy is his cherished legacy.'

He continued: 'Mandela taught us the power of action, but also ideas; the importance of reason and arguments; the need to study not only those you agree with, but those who you don't.'

Referring to the anti-apartheid icon's friendship with his own prison warders, the President said: 'It took a man like Madiba to free not just the prisoner, but the gaoler as well.'

He also spoke out against the dictators from countries such as Zimbabwe and China who pay lip service to Mandela's legacy while repressing their own people, saying: 'There are too many of us who happily embrace Madiba's legacy of racial reconciliation, but passionately resist even modest reforms that would challenge chronic poverty and growing inequality.

'There are too many leaders who claim solidarity with Madiba's struggle for freedom, but do not tolerate dissent from their own people. And there are too many of us who stand on the sidelines, comfortable in complacency or cynicism when our voices must be heard.'

Sombre occasion: Members of Nelson Mandela's family take their seats amid heavy rain ahead of his memorial service at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, near Johannesburg

Prominent role: U.S. President Barack Obama, who will deliver a eulogy at the service, is joined by First Lady Michelle (right)

Cheers: When America's first couple flashed up on screen the crowd roared their approval of the U.S.'s first black President

Tough conditions: Mr Obama was delayed because his motorcade struggled through the rain-soaked route to the World Cup stadium

Two very different receptions: Mr Obama, who was greeted with prolonged applause, embraces South African president Jacob Zuma, who was loudly booed

Embarrassing: South African Jacob Zuma was roundly booed by the crowd when he got up to deliver his tribute to Mr Mandela

Mr Obama concluded: 'We will never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again. But let me say to the young people of Africa, and young people around the world - you can make his life's work your own.'

On his way to the podium, the President shook hands with Raul Castro, whose brother Fidel has long been one of the fiercest enemies of the U.S. - testament to Mandela's ability to bring warring parties together in his memory.

The two countries have not had diplomatic relations since the Communist revolution of 1959, and their leaders are not believed to have communicated with each other in recent years. 

Among the other international dignitaries to attend the event are several current and former British leaders, including David Cameron, Nick Clegg, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and John Major.

The memorial featured tributes by some of the anti-Apartheid icon's family and a speech from United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Mr Ban told the service: ‘South Africa has lost a hero, we have lost a father and the world has lost a beloved friend and mentor.

‘Nelson Mandela was more than one of the greatest leaders of our time, he was one of our greatest teachers. He taught by example, he sacrificed so much and was willing to give up everything for freedom, equality and justice.

‘His compassion stands out most.’

Relatives: Mr Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Mandela Madikizela (left) and his widow Graca Machel (far right) take their seats in the stadium

Emotional: Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (left) and Graca Machel (right) fight back tears as moving tributes to Mr Mandela are read out

Nelson Mandela's former wife Winnie Mandela Madikizela (left) and his widow Graca Machel embrace at his memorial service. The two women are close and refer to each other as 'sisters'

Mourning: Mr Mandela's former wife Winnie Mandela Madikizela (centre), who famously greeted her husband as he left prison, arrives at the ceremony

Family affair: (front row) Mr Mandela's daughters Zindzi, Zenani and Makaziwe Mandela, ex-wife Winnie Mandela Madikizela and widow Graca Machel before the service

A HERO OF OUR TIME: THE TRIBUTES PAID TO NELSON MANDELA BY THE WORLD'S LEADERS

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said 'the world has lost a beloved friend and mentor'

UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon: 'South Africa has lost a hero, we have lost a father and the world has lost a beloved friend and mentor.

'Nelson Mandela was more than one of the greatest leaders of our time, he was one of our greatest teachers.

'He taught by example, he sacrificed so much and was willing to give up everything for freedom, equality and justice.

'His compassion stands out most.'

South Africa president Jacob Zuma: 'Today Madiba is no more. He leaves behind a nation that loves him dearly. He leaves a continent that is truly proud to call him an African.

'United in our diversity we will continue to build a nation free of poverty, hunger, homelessness and inequality.'

Family member General Thanduxolo Mandela: 'To him, life was all about service to others.

'He mingled with kings, queens and presidents... At the core, he was a man of the people.'

Cuban President Raul Castro: 'Let us pay tribute to Nelson Mandela: The ultimate symbol of dignity and unwavering dedication to the revolutionary struggle, to freedom and justice, a prophet of unity, peace and reconciliation.

'As Mandela’s life teaches us, only the concerted effort of all nations will empower humanity to respond to the enormous challenges that today threatens its very existence.'

Brazilian President President Dilma Rousseff: 'He also was a source of inspiration for similar struggles in Brazil and across South America.

'His fight reached way beyond his nation’s border and inspired young men and women to fight for independence and social justice.'

Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao: 'Mr. Mandela was the pride of the African people. He has dedicated his entire life to the development and progress of the African continent.'

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown: 'His life was just an extraordinary journey, from beginning to end, with such an effect, both on his own country, and on the rest of the world. We may not see his like again.'

The event at the 95,000-capacity FNB Stadium in Soweto began with a rendition of South Africa's national anthem - the first of several musical interludes.

However, when the speeches began, some in the huge stadium complained they could not hear over the sound of the crowd.

Mr Ramaphosa told the crowd during his opening address: 'We wish to applaud the people of South Africa for the dignified manner in which they have honoured and remembered the memory of Nelson Mandela since he passed away. We applaud you and thank you for it.'

After interfaith prayers, the service then heard from Andrew Mlangeni, a former prisoner on Robben Island with Mr Mandela, who spoke of the 'outpouring of love' following his death.

'Madiba is looking down on us. There is no doubt he is smiling and he watches his beloved country, men and women, unite to celebrate his life and legacy,' he said.

Respect: Nelson Mandela is shown on a giant screen inside the stadium as thousands of South Africans and global dignitaries file into the ground

A man waves a South African flag: South Africans have been praised for the 'dignified' way in which they have commemorated Mr Mandela's death

Umbrella weather: The ceremony started an hour late in the pouring rain to allow dignitaries and members of the public to file in to the arena

Empty seats: The 94,000-capacity stadium was reportedly only two-thirds full which may have due to the adverse weather conditions

'THANK YOU FOR SHARING MADIBA': HIGHLIGHTS OF OBAMA'S HEARTFELT EULOGY FOR NELSON MANDELA

To the people of South Africa - people of every race and walk of life - the world thanks you for sharing Nelson Mandela with us. His struggle was your struggle. His triumph was your triumph.
Born during World War I, far from the corridors of power, a boy raised herding cattle and tutored by elders of his Thembu tribe - Madiba would emerge as the last great liberator of the 20th century.
He was not a bust made of marble; he was a man of flesh and blood - a son and husband, a father and a friend.
Mandela showed us the power of action; of taking risks on behalf of our ideals.
Mandela understood the ties that bind the human spirit. There is a word in South Africa - 'Ubuntu' - that describes his greatest gift: his recognition that we are all bound together in ways that can be invisible to the eye; that there is a oneness to humanity; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others, and caring for those around us.
It took a man like Madiba to free not just the prisoner, but the gaoler as well; to show that you must trust others so that they may trust you; to teach that reconciliation is not a matter of ignoring a cruel past, but a means of confronting it with inclusion, generosity and truth. He changed laws, but also hearts.
There are too many of us who happily embrace Madiba’s legacy of racial reconciliation, but passionately resist even modest reforms that would challenge chronic poverty and growing inequality. There are too many leaders who claim solidarity with Madiba’s struggle for freedom, but do not tolerate dissent from their own people. And there are too many of us who stand on the sidelines, comfortable in complacency or cynicism when our voices must be heard.
We will never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again. But let me say to the young people of Africa, and young people around the world - you can make his life’s work your own. Over thirty years ago, while still a student, I learned of Mandela and the struggles in this land. It stirred something in me. It woke me up to my responsibilities - to others, and to myself - and set me on an improbable journey that finds me here today. And while I will always fall short of Madiba’s example, he makes me want to be better.

Tributes were also made by General Thanduxolo Mandela, and 'Madiba's' grandchildren Mbuso Mandela, Andile Mandela, Zozuko Dlamini and Phumla Mandela.

Chinese vice-president Li Yuanchao, Brazilian president Dilma Roussef, Namibian president Hifikepunye Pohamba and Indian president Pranab Mukherjee also made speeches before a keynote address by South Africa's president Jacob Zuma and a sermon by Bishop Ivan Abrahams. 

Speaking through a translator, Mr Castro said: 'Let us pay tribute to Nelson Mandela: The ultimate symbol of dignity and unwavering dedication to the revolutionary struggle, to freedom and justice, a prophet of unity, peace and reconciliation.

'As Mandela's life teaches us, only the concerted effort of all nations will empower humanity to respond to the enormous challenges that today threatens its very existence.'

In her address, Ms Rousseff said: 'He also was a source of inspiration for similar struggles in Brazil and across South America.

'His fight reached way beyond his nation's border and inspired young men and women to fight for independence and social justice.'

Mr Li told how Mr Mandela was the 'pride of the African people', adding: 'He has dedicated his entire life to the development and progress of the African continent.'

Mr Zuma said: 'Today Madiba is no more. He leaves behind a nation that loves him dearly. He leaves a continent that is truly proud to call him an African.

'He leaves the people of the world who embraced him as their own icon. Most importantly, he leaves behind a deeply entrenched legacy of freedom, human rights and democracy in our country.

'In his honour we commit ourselves to continue building a nation based on the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. United in our diversity we will continue to build a nation free of poverty, hunger, homelessness and inequality.'

Crowds started pouring in from early in the morning, undeterred by persistent rain, and in the build-up to the ceremony mourners screamed in celebration whenever members of Mandela's family appeared on the big screen.

The rain, seen as a 'blessing' among South Africa's majority black population, enthused the crowd.

'In our culture the rain is a blessing,' said Harry Tshabalala, a government driver. 'Only great, great people are memorialised with it. Rain is life. This is perfect weather for us on this occasion.'

Who's who of world leaders: VIPs and dignitaries watch from the tribune as rain lashes down during the memorial service

Paying tribute: World leaders converged on the FNB Stadium in Soweto, the Johannesburg township that was a stronghold of support for the anti-apartheid struggle that Mandela embodied

Rivals: But George W. Bush, pictured with wife Laura, apparently got on well with his predecessor Bill Clinton, pictured with wife Hillary and Chelsea

Wet, but well received: President Barack Obama greets members of the crowd in the pouring rain after making his speech

Homage: Obama paid an emotional tribute to Nelson Mandela, thanking the people of South Africa for 'sharing' their former president with the world

Leaving: Mr Obama waves to the camera as he walks out of the ceremony with the First Lady

Former president Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived separately but were seen leaving together with their daughter Chelsea (third right) and aide Huma Abedin (front)

However, some of the dozens of trains laid on to ferry people to the stadium were delayed due to a power failure. A Metrorail spokeswoman said more than 30,000 mourners were successfully transported by train.

When Mr Ramaphosa introduced the assembled dignitaries at the start of the service, nearly all were welcomed by cheers - except current president Jacob Zuma, whose name was met by loud booing.

Those attended seemed to be in celebratory spirits, but the rain meant that most of the uncovered lower section of the stadium was left empty.

Among the mourners pictured arriving at the ceremony were former UN secretary general Kofi Annan, ex-U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Desmond Tutu, the Archbishop of Cape Town who was Mandela's ally in bringing apartheid to an end.

However, Israel's president Benjamin Netanyahu decided not to attend, because the cost of providing security for him would be too great.

In addition, Xi Jinping of China, Hassan Rouhani of Iran and Russian president Vladimir Putin were among the other prominent figures who declined to travel to Johannesburg for the event.

A number of African presidents - including the reviled Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe - arrived in South Africa overnight.

David Cameron paid tribute to the spirit of forgiveness shown by the anti-apartheid hero as he arrived for the service.

The British prime minister said Mr Mandela set an example to politicians across the world, not only in the 'incredible stand he took' but in the way he treated people once he was released from prison.

LISTEN: Obama and Michelle cheered. President Zuma booed

Close ties: Supermodel Naomi Campbell, who Mr Mandela described as his 'honorary granddaughter', enters the FNB stadium ahead of the service

Controversial: Reviled Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is questioned by reporters as he makes his way into the stadium

Stars: U2 singer Bono and South African actress Charlize Theron talking in the crowd at the ceremony

Ally: FW de Klerk, who was awarded the Nobel Prize along with Mandela for his role in ending apartheid, arrives with his wife Elita

'He has done it again... people from all walks of life, all here, united': UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon pays tribute to Mr Mandela

Associates: Jimmy Carter, Kofi Annan and Henry Kissinger arrived at the memorial service together

RAIN SHOWS 'GODS ARE WELCOMING MANDELA HOME'

The rain that poured relentlessly during the memorial was seen as a good omen for Mr Mandela.
According to the former President's friend, Cyril Ramaphosa, the wet weather was seen in African traditions as the Gods welcoming home the dead.
He said: 'We were not able to stop the rain, but this is how Nelson Mandela would have wanted to be sent on. These are blessings.
'In the African tradition, it means the gods are welcoming you and the gates of heaven are open.'
The sentiments were echoed by others, who said it was a positive sign. 
Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said: 'It's a blessing from the ancestors welcoming a son of the soil.'
The stadium announcer said the raindrops represented the 'heavens weeping'.

He highlighted the moment Mr Mandela appeared with captain of the Springboks Francois Pienaar at the Rugby World Cup final in South Africa in 1995.

Mr Cameron told BBC Breakfast: 'I will never forget the sight of him with the captain of the Springboks out in the middle of that rugby pitch, that moment is seared in all our memories.

'And the way that he had treated people who had done such harm to people.

'I think it was the forgiveness that set an example that so few politicians are able to follow. I think those sort of lessons are what we need to learn and take away with us.'

After the ceremony, Mr Cameron tweeted: 'An inspiring day - one that challenges all leaders to live up to the spirit of Nelson Mandela.'

Asked about his decision to wear a black tie, Mr Cameron said: 'We were told that it was appropriate to wear a black tie but when you come and you hear this great noise and great atmosphere of celebration, it's clear that people here in South Africa want to, yes, say goodbye to this great man, yes, commemorate what he did, but also celebrate his life and celebrate his legacy and I think that's right.'

The presence of Sir John Major, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown with Mr Cameron reflects the deep respect in which Mr Mandela is held within British politics.

The Prime Minister and Mr Brown were among MPs who paid tribute to Mr Mandela in a special Commons session yesterday following the Nobel peace prize-winner's death.

Mr Brown added his tribute to 'the man that taught us no injustice can last forever'.

He said: 'Nelson Mandela, the greatest man of his generation, yes, but across generations, one of the most courageous people you could ever hope to meet.'

Before today's ceremony, the former Prime Minister added: 'His life was just an extraordinary journey, from beginning to end, with such an effect, both on his own country, and on the rest of the world.

'So, enjoy today, enjoy and celebrate what he achieved. We may not see his like again.'

Jovial: Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan (left) and retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu appear in good spirits as they arrive for the service

Embraced: Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair (left) is greeted after arriving for the memorial service in Johannesburg

Sense of humour: Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson (left) chats with Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu arrive inside the FNB stadium

Successor: Former South African President Thabo Mbeki is welcomed as he arrives at the FNB Stadium before heading inside the venue with his wife Zanele (left)

Audience: Italian prime minister Enrico Letta (above left), French ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy (below left) and his successor Francois Hollande (below right)

Key role: Cuban President Raul Castro Ruz arrives for the memorial service where he is due to give a speech

Speaking to the BBC after the ceremony, Mr Blair said the service was 'extraordinary'.

Asked for his memories of Mr Mandela, Mr Blair said: 'What I remember was how easy he was to get on with. I have still got the pictures of my little boy Leo just after he was born sitting on his knee when Mandela came to the Labour Party conference in the year 2000.

'He was so good with everyone, so easy with everyone, he was very determined, not to turn into, as Barack Obama said earlier, a sort of "marble bust", a sort of remote figure. He was very human and great fun.

'He was always reaching out to people, always trying to reconcile them and bringing people together and he did it in a way where there was something quite transcendent about it.

'It was uncanny, his ability to reach people, not just on an emotional but almost on a spiritual level.'

Mr Miliband tweeted afterwards: 'Leaving the Mandela memorial service. A unique occasion, inspiring, moving and uplifting.'

Naomi Campbell, Bono and Charlize Theron at Mandela memorial

The highest spots: Spectators gather ahead of the Tuesday memorial ceremony

Colourful: A woman dressed in the regalia of the South African national rugby team arriving at the stadium

Celebration: A mourner wearing a wig in the South African national colours arrives at the stadium

Dance: Many of those inside the stadium were dancing to celebrate the life of the former leader

Tribute: Many of those attending the memorial were decked out in national flags and wearing celebratory clothing

Unity: Mandela is loved by South Africans for his efforts to transform the racially divided country into the 'Rainbow Nation'

Meanwhile, ordinary South Africans today paid tribute to the powerful influence Mr Mandela had on their lives.
Matlhogonolo Mothoagae, a postgraduate marketing student who arrived hours before the stadium gates opened, said: 'I would not have the life I have today if it was not for him. He was jailed so we could have our freedom.'
Rohan Laird, the 54-year-old CEO of a health insurance company, said he grew up during white rule in a 'privileged position' as a white South African and that Mandela helped whites work through a burden of guilt.
'His reconciliation allowed whites to be released themselves,' Lair said. 'I honestly don't think the world will see another leader like Nelson Mandela.'
People blew on vuvuzelas, the plastic horn that was widely used during the World Cup soccer tournament in 2010, and sang songs from the era of the anti-apartheid struggle decades ago.

Passion: The huge number of mourners at the ceremony is testimony to the impact Mandela made on his country

Carnival atmosphere: Even before the start of the service thousands had gathered to celebrate the life of the former president

Drizzle: But mourners were not deterred by the rain in Johannesburg as they arrived at the stadium

Hero: Mandela's death has united South Africa in mourning for the past five days

Father of the country: Many, like this little boy, refer to the former president using his tribal name, Madiba

'It is a moment of sadness celebrated by song and dance, which is what we South Africans do,' said Xolisa Madywabe, CEO of a South African investment firm.

The 95,000-capacity soccer venue was also the spot where Mandela made his last public appearance at the closing ceremony of the World Cup.

After the memorial, his body will lie in state for three days at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, once the seat of white power, before burial on Sunday in his rural childhood village of Qunu in Eastern Cape Province.

Police promised tight security, locking down roads for miles around the stadium. However, the first crowds entered the stadium without being searched.

John Allen, a 48-year-old pastor from the U.S. state of Arkansas, said he once met Mandela at a shopping center in South Africa with his sons.

Springboks: South Africa's rugby captain Jean de Villiers and his predecessor Francois Pienaar were among the mourners

United: When Mandela handed the rugby world cup to Pienaar it was considered a landslide moment in the post-apartheid era

Image: Supporters bore newspapers with Mandela on the front page as they filed in to the service

Politics: A supporter waves the flag of the African National Congress, the liberation movement which became Mandela's political party

Banner: Supporters carrying a large sign which paid tribute to Mandela's lasting legacy in South Africa and the rest of the world

ICONIC STADIUM WHERE MANDELA MADE LANDMARK SPEECH IN 1990

The 95,000-capacity football stadium where the memorial is being held is a fitting location to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela.
The First National Bank Stadium, more commonly known as the FNB Stadium, is based in Soweto, the Johannesburg township that was a stronghold of support for the anti-apartheid struggle that Mandela embodied as a prisoner of white rule for 27 years.
It was the place where the iconic leader chose to make his first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison in 1990.
And it was also the venue where he made his last public appearance at the closing ceremony of the 2010 World Cup.

'He joked with my youngest and asked if he had voted for Bill Clinton,' Allen said. 'He just zeroed in on my eight-year-old for the three to five minutes we talked.'

Mr Obama's tribute came after numerous comparisons were made between him and Mandela - they were both the first black presidents of their respective countries and living symbols of struggles to overcome deep-seated racial tensions.

Adding to that, both were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

But as Obama prepared to honour Mandela , people close to the U.S. president say he is wary of drawing close comparisons between his own rapid rise through America's political ranks and Mandela's 27 years in prison fighting against a repressive government.

Former President George H.W. Bush, the only other living U.S. president, will not attend because the 89-year-old is no longer able to travel long distances, his spokesman Jim McGrath said.

Also traveling with Obama were national security adviser Susan Rice and Attorney General Eric Holder.

For Obama, who was too young to be active in the American civil rights movement, it was Mandela's struggle against apartheid that first drew him into politics.

He studied Mandela's speeches and writings while studying at Occidental College from 1979-81 and became active in campus protests against the apartheid government.

Queues: Members of the public clutching umbrellas to protect against the rain file in to the stadium in Soweto

Getting ready: Crowds have been piling up around the First National Bank stadium where Mandela's memorial service will be held on Tuesday

Filling the seats: The stadium, dubbed 'Soccer City', holds 90,000 but there have been overflow areas planned in advance

Paternal: Mandela was often known at 'Tata', or 'Father', by South Africans grateful for his legacy

Rather than view himself as a counterpart to Mandela, Obama has said he sees himself as one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from Mandela's life.

'Like so many around the globe, I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set, and so long as I live, I will do what I can to learn from him,' Obama said after Mandela died last week at the age of 95.

In the days following Mandela's death, Obama began crafting the 20-minute speech he will deliver during Tuesday's service in Johannesburg, where tens of thousands of South Africans and dozens of foreign dignitaries are expected to pack a sports stadium.

Obama is expected to speak of Mandela's influence on South Africa and on his own life, while also reflecting on the complexity of Mandela's rise from anti-apartheid fighter and prisoner to president and global icon.

Air Force One touched down at a military base near Johannesburg on Tuesday morning.

Festive: Men singing in the queue for the ceremony at South Africa's largest football stadium

Prepared: People filled the stadium on Tuesday hours before the dignitaries arrived

Downpout: The rain did not deter the good-natured crowds and provided a business opportunity for entrepreneurial bystanders

'My very first political action, the first thing I ever did that involved an issue or a policy or politics, was a protest against apartheid,' Obama said last week. 

'The day that (Mandela) was released from prison gave me a sense of what human beings can do when they're guided by their hopes and not by their fears.'

By the time Obama became president, Mandela had retired from public life. But they did have one in-person meeting, a hastily arranged 2005 encounter while Mandela was visiting Washington.

The South African leader had been encouraged to meet a young black U.S. senator who was a rising star in American politics and invited Obama to visit him at his hotel.

His final appearance: It was in 'Soccer City' in 2010 where former President Mandela was last seen publicly before he stopped going to large events due to his ailing health

Inspiration: 14-year-old Thomas looks out across the arena as the crowds start to file in for the memorial service

Programme: The events were scheduled to include talks by world leaders as well as tributes from Mandela's family

Outside: A mourner holding a South African flag on the outskirts of the FNB Stadium this morning

Homestead: A woman in Mandela's village of Qunu stokes a fire as his memorial service plays on TV behind her

A single photo from the meeting shows the two men smiling and shaking hands, with Obama standing and Mandela sitting, his legs stretched out in front of him.

The photo hangs in Obama's personal office at the White House, as well as in Mandela's office in Johannesburg.

Obama and Mandela had sporadic contact after that meeting, including a congratulatory phone call from Mandela after Obama's 2008 election and a condolences call from the U.S. president after the South African's granddaughter was killed in a 2010 car accident.

Touching down: President Obama and First Lady Michelle looked collected and sombre after coming off the 17-hour flight on Air Force One

Welcoming committee: President Obama and Michelle (who is covered by an umbrella) are greeted Tuesday morning on the tarmac in Johannesburg by International Relations Minister Maite Nkoane-Mashabane (center)

Former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura are seen coming off of Air Force One after the Obamas as the two couples shared the plane with former Secretary of State and first lady Hillary Clinton

Lines of succession: Obama led the Americans, followed by Michelle, then former President George Bush, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton seen just slightly at the end

Not attending: Russia's president Vladimir Putin today signed a book of condolence for Mandela's death at the South African embassy in Moscow

In 2011, Mrs Obama and her two daughters held a private meeting with Mandela during a visit to South Africa but the elderly leader was hospitalized and too sick to meet with Obama when he traveled there earlier this year.

Mandela's ailing health cast a shadow over that trip, heightening the emotion when Obama and his family visited the Robben Island prison where Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison.

Obama also met with members of Mandela's family during his July visit and the White House said he hopes to spend time with them again on Tuesday.

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace Mugabe (centre) arrive in Pretoria ahead of the memorial

Equatorial Guinea's president Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (left) and Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) also arrived in South Africa on Monday night

Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain (centre) is also on the guestlist for the prestigious memorial

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni (left) and Malawi's President Joyce Banda (right) arrive at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria