JB photo-op as Obama snaps Mandela funeral selfie

Malawi President Joyce Banda had a photo opportunity with world leaders including US President Barack Obama at the funeral of former South African President Nelson Mandela on Tuesday.

Banda was cheered by a section of the crowd after her presence was acknowledged at the FNB Stadium in Soweto by the country ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa while the country’s president Jacob Zuma was booed.

The Malawian first female leader who is the current chairperson of SADC was consciously seen ‘liked’ by world leaders as Obama also drew closer to her for a warm handshake.

Banda also had opportunity to have some time talking to British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Obama takes it to President Joyce Banda for a warm handshake at Mandela funeral

While photo-journalists of international media houses  focused their lens on Obama including his handshake with Banda, and other  leaders, the American leader, UK Prime Minister David Cameron, and Denmark’s PM Helle Thorning-Schmidt took an impromptu photograph of themselves .

It is being described as one of the highest-powered “selfies” ever snapped.

The image quickly went viral and sparked criticism from Twitter users. One wrote: “Our President at Mandela memorial. Disgrace.”

Another said: “Obama and Cameron taking selfies at Mabida’s funeral – how considerate”.

Mandela died last Thursday at the age of 95. He will be buried on Sunday.

British Prime Minister David Camero with President Banda
‘Say cheese’:President Banda and DRC leader Joseph Kabila
Selfie: Prime Minister David Cameron (left) and Barack Obama (right) pose for a picture with Denmark’s Prime Minister Helle Thorning Schmidt while Michelle Obama (far right) looks on

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :

Sharing is caring!

Follow us in Twitter
55 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Read previous post:
Obama’s address at Mandela’s memorial service – Full text

To Graça Machel and the Mandela family; to President Zuma and members of the government; to heads of states and...

Close