Pretoria - US President Barack Obama was one of the first world leaders to pay tribute to former President Nelson Mandela, who passed away on Thursday night, saying he achieved more than can be expected of any man.
“We have lost one of the most influential, courageous, and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this Earth. He no longer belongs to us - he belongs to the ages,” said Obama, an hour of the announcement of Madiba’s death.
Madiba passed away peacefully in the company of his family on Thursday evening. He was 95.
Obama said Madiba symbolised the fight for freedom and dignity throughout the world. His commitment to transfer power and reconcile with those who jailed him had set an example for all humanity.
“The fact that he did it all with grace and good humour, and an ability to acknowledge his own imperfections, only makes the man that much more remarkable.”
Obama said he was one of the millions of people around the world who drew inspiration from Madiba.
“I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set, and so long as I live I will do what I can to learn from him.”
Obama, who was in the country in July when Madiba was hospitalised, said South Africa and the world must now pause and give thanks for the fact that Mandela lived.
“We will not likely see the likes of Nelson Mandela again. So it falls to us, as best we can, to forward the example that he set - to make decisions guided not by hate, but by love; to never discount the difference that one person can make; to strive for a future that is worthy of his sacrifice.” - SAnews.gov.za
