SUMMARY: This week marks 100 years since the birth of Nelson Mandela, who led a struggle against apartheid and brought his country to a new democratic future, while setting a political and moral example recognized around the globe. Now a new book that offers insight into Mandela's remarkable story through his own words. Jeffrey Brown takes a closer look with special correspondent Charlayne Hunter-Gault.
GWEN IFILL (Newshour): Millions of people around the world watched early today as South Africans, world leaders, celebrities and a vibrant community of mourners paid final respects to the country's former president and anti-apartheid leader, Nelson Mandela.
A cold rain didn't dampen the spirits of tens of thousands who came from far and near to the four-hour service. Downpours may have kept others away, with just two-thirds of the stadium's 95,000 seats filled. But the weather took nothing away from a celebration of Nelson Mandela's life and legacy that was at turns jubilant, raucous and solemn.
The late leader's nephew spoke for his family, praising the humility of the man widely known with affection by his clan name.
GEN. THANDUXOLO MANDELA, nephew of Nelson Mandela: In his lifetime, Madiba mingled with kings, queens and presidents, and prime ministers, captains of industries and ordinary workers. At the core of his being, he was a man of the people.
Celebrating one of his personal heroes, President Barack Obama praised Nelson Mandela as the last great liberator of the 20th century, urging the world to carry on his legacy by fighting inequality, poverty and discrimination.
At a memorial service in Johannesburg, Obama compared the former South African President to Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln.
"For nothing he achieved was inevitable," Obama said. "In the arc of his life, we see a man who earned his place in history through struggle and shrewdness, persistence and faith. He tells us what's possible not just in the pages of dusty history books, but in our own lives as well."
The crowd at the half-filled stadium erupted in applause each time Obama's name was mentioned or his image was shown on the screen. Dozens gathered below the box seats where Obama and other U.S. presidents sat, waving and snapping pictures of the leaders.
As if to underscore the spirit of reconciliation that Mandela's life embodied, Obama shook hands with Cuban President Raul Castro as he made his way down a line of world leaders gathered to honor the anti-apartheid leader. It was a rare moment of accord for the leaders of the two Cold War enemies.
Calling himself a beneficiary of Mandela's struggle, Obama traced the influence that Mandela's story has had on his own life, disclosing that he asks himself how well he's applied Mandela's lessons to himself as a man and as President.
He said in the U.S., South Africa and around the world, people must not allow progress that's been made to cloud the fact that more work must be done.
"We, too, must act on behalf of justice. We, too, must act on behalf of peace. 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," Obama said, referring to Mandela by his traditional clan name.
Extolling Mandela as practical but unyielding on his core principles, Obama said it was because Mandela could admit to being imperfect that the world loved him and continues to learn so much from his example. "He was not a bust made of marble. He was a man of flesh and blood," Obama said.
He said Mandela had changed both laws and hearts, inspiring those around him by reconciling with the jailers who kept him prisoner for 27 years. In trusting others despite the injustices he suffered, Mandela showed that the cruelty of the past must be confronted with truth, generosity and inclusion, Obama said.
"We will never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again," Obama said. "But let me say to the people of Africa, and young people around the world: You can make his life's work your own."
Joining Obama on the 16-hour trip from Washington for the ceremony were first lady Michelle Obama, former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter also attended the memorial service.
SUMMARY: Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks join Judy Woodruff to discuss the week's top news, including the passing of Nelson Mandela and his impact on world history and American politics, plus a new pledge by President Obama to refocus on and address economic inequality in the United States.
JUDY WOODRUFF (Newshour): The death of Nelson Mandela resonated across South Africa and around the world today. Millions mourned the former president and symbol of racial reconciliation. And officials planned a mass memorial service on Tuesday.
We begin our coverage with Rohit Kachroo of Independent Television News, reporting from South Africa.
ROHIT KACHROO: This was a day to mourn one life lost and a day to mark the many lives made by Nelson Mandela. The gift of freedom is being celebrated here. And even those lost in the sadness of his death know how much bleaker things here might have been.
WOMAN: Now we are free because of Madiba. I'm very, very sorry here. But, today, I'm sad and I have got happiness. I don't know what can I say.
ROHIT KACHROO: From his home last night, his coffin was brought away draped in the rainbow colors. His pain is over. But the hurt is now all theirs.
Yet, for all the bleary eyes and broken hearts, this nation was not broken, as the old songs of the struggle from sung through the night. And the new day brought the start of South Africa's future.
SUMMARY: As the world mourns the loss of Nelson Mandela, Judy Woodruff talks to Lydia Polgreen, Johannesburg bureau chief for The New York Times, who called the former South African leader the "moral center" for the country. Polgreen said Mandela’s example may help the country struggle against current economic and societal challenges.
SUMMARY: The South Africa of Nelson Mandela's birth was a different nation from the one he leaves behind. Jeffrey Brown gets perspective on Mandela's impact from three South Africans: Penelope Andrews of the Albany Law School, Mzamo Mangaliso of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and Charles Villa-Vicencio at Georgetown University.
SUMMARY: Concerns persist over the deteriorating health of former South African President Nelson Mandela as President Barack Obama begins a visit there. Charlayne Hunter-Gault, special correspondent for NBC News, joins Jeffrey Brown to discuss the legendary leader's legacy in South Africa, and how democracy has shaped that nation.
