Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma on Thursday joined the international community in mourning the passing on of Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua who died on Wednesday after a long battle with kidney and heart ailments.
Zuma said he has learnt with "shock and great sadness" of the news of Yar'Adua's death which he said would be felt throughout the continent.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nigerian people as you grieve the loss of an outstanding son of the soil.
"Be assured, my dear brother that your loss is felt beyond your borders and may you find comfort and solace in the knowledge that South Africa is with you during this difficult time," said Zuma.
Yar'Adua died late yesterday at the age of 58, paving the way for the most hotly contested succession since the country's return to democracy a decade ago.
During his Presidency, Yar'Adua played a seminal role in the reconstruction and development of Nigeria and advancing Nigeria's role in the community of nations.
Today has been declared a public holiday in Nigeria to mark his death and this will be followed by a week of official mourning during which flags will be flown at half mast.
His body will be taken to Katisina to be buried according to Muslim rites this afternoon.
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan - who has been running Africa's most populous nation for months during Yar'Adua's illness - has been sworn in as head of state. He will then appoint a new deputy, according to the constitution.
The pair will then complete the unexpired presidential term in the oil-producing nation of more than 140 million people until elections in April 2011
Zuma said it is South Africa's wish that the leadership of Nigeria will do everything in its power to ensure that this African country "forges ahead with the vision of President Yar'Adua to make Africa and the world a better place to live in."
