South Africans mark one year since the death of Nelson Mandela with an emotional interfaith service honouring the spirit of the antiapartheid hero, giving offerings to the ancestors for guidance.

Mandela's widow, Graca Machel, recalled the former president's last moments, saying he was at peace and surrounded by family. Mandela died last Dec. 5 after a long illness at the age of 95.

The death of Nelson Mandela prompted numerous officials to pay tribute his contributions to South Africa and the world and express a sense of loss at the passing of the 95-year-old human rights icon.