Pretoria - United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has expressed his profound sadness at the passing of former President Nelson Mandela.
He described the life of the late human rights lawyer, prisoner of conscience, international peacemaker and first democratically-elected president as an inspiration for all.
Madiba passed away at his home in Johannesburg on Thursday night at the age of 95.
“Nelson Mandela was a giant for justice and a down-to-earth human inspiration,” Ban said at the UN’s Headquarters in New York.
“On behalf of the United Nations, I extend my deepest condolences to the people of South Africa and especially to Nelson Mandela’s family, and indeed our global family.”
Ban noted that many people worldwide were greatly influenced by Madiba’s selfless struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom.
“He touched our lives in deeply personal ways. At the same time, no one did more in our time to advance the values and aspirations of the United Nations.
“Nelson Mandela showed what is possible for our world and within each one of us – if we believe, dream and work together for justice and humanity,” said Ban. -SAnews.gov.za
