World leaders , celebrities and South Africans at memorial service . ` ` The world thanks you for sharing Nelson Park with us , '' Obama said . Despite pouring rain , crowds sing and dance . While Tuesday 's memorial is the first major event honoring Mandela since his death , it wo n't be the last . The four - hour service took place at Johannesburg 's National Stadium .
World leaders , celebrities and South Africans at memorial service . ` ` The world thanks you for sharing Nelson Park with us , '' Obama said . Despite pouring rain , crowds sing and dance . The four - hour service took place at Johannesburg 's National Stadium .