Pretoria - Tributes poured in, in the early hours of Friday morning, as the world reacted to news of former President Nelson Mandela’s death.
President Jacob Zuma announced the passing of Madiba, the father of the nation, during a live televised address.
Madiba passed away at 8.50pm at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, on Thursday.
The National Press Club joined the millions of people around the globe in mourning the world icon.
“Madiba stepped out of his personal experiences to show the world what international statesmanship really means – and proved to the world that South Africans could work together despite huge historical differences,” club chairperson Jos Charle said.
Mandela was South Africa’s first democratically elected President.
The Press Club conveyed its condolences to the Mandela family, while also urging the nation to ensure that his legacy lives on.
In his address to the nation, President Zuma said that the country has lost its greatest son, a sentiment which was echoed by the Democratic Alliance (DA).
“Today, South Africa lost the greatest son of its soil. Today the rainbow nation lost its father. Today, we are a nation united in grief,” said DA leader Helen Zille.
The party conveyed its condolences and prayers to Mandela’s wife Graca, his former wife, Winnie, his daughters Makaziwe, Zenani and Zindziswa, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren.
“May they find the strength to overcome the pain of this great loss. The nation mourns with them,” she said.
Madiba will receive a State Funeral and all flags in the country will fly at half-mast tomorrow and remain so until after the funeral. – SAnews.gov.za
