Crawford College North Coast hosted an emotional memorial service for former president Nelson Mandela this morning.

Madiba passed away at his Houghton home shortly before 9pm on Thursday night, after struggling with a recurring lung infection for the better part of the year.

Addressing pupils, parents and members of the public principal André Loots said Madiba showed the world what greatness was.

“The ability to be great is within all of us, not just some of us. Rest in peace Tata.”

Pupils recited some of Mandela’s most well-known quotes and sang a beautiful version of We Are the World.

A montage of Mandela’s life was played in tribute, with the traditional Zulu lullaby ‘Thula Sizwe’.