100 years since his birth, South Africa pays tribute to anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela

South Africa on Wednesday marked 100 years since Nelson Mandela's birth with a "town hall" forum hosted by Barack Obama and a walk led by the anti-apartheid leader's widow among a series of tributes.

South Africa on Wednesday marked 100 years since Nelson Mandela's birth with a 'town hall' forum hosted by Barack Obama and a walk led by the anti-apartheid leader's widow among a series of tributes. (Photo | AP) 

Mandela, who died in 2013, remains a global icon for his long fight against white-minority rule and for his message of peace and reconciliation when he was released after 27 years in prison. IN PIC: A statue of former Mandela at the entrance to the Robben Island ferry departure point at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. (Photo | AP)

A file image of Nelson Mandela and wife Winnie, walk hand-in hand-with their raised clenched fists upon Mandela’s release from Victor Verster prison, near Cape Town South Africa. (Photo | AP)

A file image of Nelson Mandela and former US president Bill Clinton look outside from Mandela's Robben Island prison cell, in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo | AP)

Mandela's birthday on July 18 is marked annually around the world as 'Mandela Day', and the Nelson Mandela Foundation called for people to 'take action and inspire change' in his name on the centenary year. (Photo | AP

Obama, speaking to 15,000 people at a stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday, gave an emotional address recalling the 'wave of hope that washed through hearts all around the world' when Mandela was released from jail in 1990. (Photo | AP)

Britain's Prince Harry, second right, and Meghan the Duchess of Sussex attend the launch of the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition. (Photo | AP)