Johannesburg, South Africa, 10 December 2013
I am deeply honoured to attend on behalf of the United Nations, this state memorial service for the late former President Nelson Mandela.
We join together in sorrow for a mighty loss and in celebration of a mighty life.
What a wondrous display of this rainbow nation.
In nature, a rainbow emerges from the rain and the sun. It is that blending of the symbols of grief and gratitude that I feel today.
Through the rain of sadness and the sun of celebration, a rainbow fills our hearts.
I offer my deepest condolences to Mme Graça Machel and the Mandela family, to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and to Madiba’s larger family -- the people of South Africa, this great continent and indeed the world.
This stadium holds many tens of thousands.
But even an arena as big as Africa could not contain our pain.
South Africa has lost a father. 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 the greatest teachers. And he taught by example.
He sacrificed so much and was willing to give up everything -- for freedom and equality, for democracy and justice.