PRETORIA: South Africans prayed, sang and fell silent on Friday to mark the first anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s death, honoring the Nobel Laureate’s role in vanquishing racist white rule.

A dawn interfaith service kicked off a somber day of remembrance, with the country’s living liberation heroes gathering at the Freedom Park amphitheater in Pretoria.

“Twenty years of democracy has been possible because of Mandela,” tribal chief Ron Martin said as the sun edged over Pretoria’s hills and the smell of herbs burning in spiralled antelope horns wafted over the ceremony.

“Any sense of pride was frowned upon by apartheid,” he said, “but we are reclaiming that today.”

Wreaths were laid at the base of a five-meter statue of a smiling Madiba, the clan name by which South Africans affectionately call a man who is both father of the nation and their favorite son.

US President Barack Obama paid homage to Mandela.

“One year ago the world lost a leader whose struggle and sacrifices inspired us to stand up for our fundamental principles, whose example reminded us of the enduring need for compassion, understanding, and reconciliation, and whose vision saw the promise of a better world,” Obama said in a statement.

“As we pause today to remember the legacy of Madiba, I hope we can all take a moment to reflect on how Mandela’s life has inspired our own, and will impact the paths of generations to come — including the next generation of world leaders, as while Mandela left behind a world more just and free, there is much more work to be done,” the US leader said.

Mandela’s widow Graca Machel joined hands with members of her husband’s family in prayer.

She said she was “numb” when her husband died, but said she now remembers him as “tall and proud.”

Mandela’s old comrades, rights lawyer George Bizos and Ahmed Kathrada, who was imprisoned with him on Robben Island, also paid tribute to the icon.

“I miss him not only as a political leader, I miss him as an elder brother,” said Kathrada, his voice shaking.

“When Madiba died, I asked who should I turn to, I am still looking to somebody.”

Bizos — who provided legal representation for Mandela, Kathrada and other activists charged with sabotage in the 1960s — implicitly criticized Mandela’s successors.