ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the gathering says, "We are here to tell Madiba his long walk is over, that he can finally rest, that he can enjoy the view of our beautiful country, a view he discovered when he walked the hills of his birthplace.

"His long walk is over, but ours is just beginning, he says.What Mandela would have wanted us to do is to open this memorial service with an interfaith prayer.

He calls on Jewish, Hindu, Muslim and Christian leaders to come and give opening prayers."