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.
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.
