A memorial stone commemorating Nelson Mandela was dedicated at Westminster Abbey in London on Wednesday, marking the centenary of the former South African President’s birth.
Nomatemba Tambo, the High Commissioner for South Africa, and Dlamini-Mandela, grand-daughter of Mr Mandela, were among those who attended the service which was led by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall.
The stone, which was placed on the floor of the abbey’s nave, features the inscription “Nelson Mandela 1918-2013” encircled with the words ‘Forgiveness’ and ‘Reconciliation’.
The event was one of a number held around the world this week to mark the centenary.
Mr Mandela served 27 years in South African prisons before going on to play a key role in bringing about an end to apartheid in the nation and serving as its President between 1994 and 1999. He died on 5th December, 2013.
While Mr Mandela is the first South Africa to be commemorated with a memorial stone in Westminster Abbey, a statue of South African martyr Manche Masemola stands over the church’s western entrance and Joost de Blank, former Archbishop of Cape Town, is buried outside St George’s Chapel.