Zimbabwe honours Madiba as tears flow at Union Buildings

Robert Mugabe says Africa is lost without Mandela.(SABC)

Zimbabwean president, Robert Mugabe, has paid an emotional tribute to Madiba. Minutes after filing past the late former president's body, an emotional Mugabe described Mandela as a brother, an ally and a fellow revolutionary.

Mugabe was among scores of sitting and former presidents who paid their last respects to Mandela.

An emotional Naomi Campbell accompanied by Bono spent some time standing next to the coffin.

Mandela's daughter, Zinzi, was overcome by emotion. She broke down and cried hysterically as she went past her father's body.

Mugabe says Africa is lost without Mandela.

Back in Zimbabwe, the country has also paid tribute to the legacy of former president, Nelson Mandela, at the memorial service on Wednesday.

South African Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Vusi Mavimbela, has thanked the people of Zimbabwe for holding Madiba in high regard.

“For us the people of South Africa, we can only be flattered and humbled that you have found it useful to use Nelson Mandela as a subject case study; as a yardstick to measure the good and the bad of human nature.

"You are also of the view that the sense of loss and gain as Mandela departs is not only of the people of South Africa but all of us and you.”