#RIPNelsonMandela

"We constantly need to remind ourselves that the freedoms which democracy brings will remain empty shells if they are not accompanied by real and tangible improvements in the material lives of the millions of ordinary citizens." "As we mourn today, we also celebrate one extraordinary life that touched the hearts of millions of people. Nelson Mandela was a true servant - not just of his country and of Africa, but of men and women all over the world. His leadership was born of humility, … [Read more...] about African Development Bank (AfDB) Pays Tribute to an Extraordinary Man

The World Health Organisation Director General said that with the death of Nelson Mandela the world has lost a great and visionary leader - a global hero for whom a democratic and free society was "an ideal, which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die". Mandela's commitment to overcome prejudice and hate inspired not only his determination to break down barriers between different races, but also to eliminate discrimination against … [Read more...] about WHO Director-General Margaret Chan honours Mandela

The Federal Republic of Germany's Foreign Minister Westerwelle issued the following statement to express his condolences after hearing the news of Nelson Mandela's death: "South Africa and the world have lost a great human being and an outstanding statesman. Nelson Mandela's political visions of peace and freedom, of the indomitable power of reconciliation and compassion, were and remain a source of hope and inspiration to people in Africa and throughout the world. His name will always … [Read more...] about German Foreign Minister Westerwelle responds to news that Nelson Mandela has died

The ITUC, on behalf of 175 million workers worldwide, extends its heartfelt condolences to the people of South Africa on the passing of Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest and most courageous leaders of modern times. Through a lifetime of devotion to the fight to end apartheid dictatorship and bring democracy and justice to the people of South Africa, Nelson Mandela was an inspiration for untold numbers of people across the world, and his incomparable legacy will continue to inspire … [Read more...] about The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) on Nelson Mandela

"Millions of people, including many who never met him, will feel deep personal sorrow at today's news, since Nelson Mandela was perhaps the greatest moral leader of our time. Despite 27 years in prison, he never followed the path of vengeance. I remember well how, when he was finally released, feelings in South Africa were boiling: feelings of hatred, a thirst for revenge, a burning desire to discriminate against those who had so ruthlessly discriminated against us. I shared some of those … [Read more...] about Nelson Mandela: Statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay

Calling Nelson Mandela a leader with hard-won wisdom and maturity unparalleled in our time, the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary gave thanks to God for Mandela's life, which he described as a gift to South Africa and the whole world.A renowned anti-apartheid activist and Nobel peace laureate who served as South Africa's first black president, Mandela, 95, passed away on Thursday 5 December at his home in Houghton near Johannesburg. "He will be recalled as the leader who acted … [Read more...] about WCC honours Mandela legacy

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure." We salute Tata Nelson Mandela as the father of South African democracy, and acknowledge that South African Airways (SAA) today is the leading carrier on the African continent due to his iconic and legendary statesmanship. Tata Mandela is the father of nations, a revered global icon, a revolutionary, a diplomat, a former President and a beacon of greatness that is celebrated all across the world. This … [Read more...] about South African Airways Salutes Tata Nelson Mandela – May You Rest in the Peace You Gave Us

A. Barry Rand, the CEO of AARP, said that the world lost one of its most courageous and righteous leaders yesterday with the passing of Nelson Mandela. Mandela, who was imprisoned for fighting against Apartheid in South Africa only to later become that country's first elected president once Apartheid ended, dedicated his life to fighting for social justice and economic equality. My wife and I had the opportunity to meet Madiba on a trip to South Africa in 1994. As we ate lunch together, I … [Read more...] about Association of American Retired Persons on the death of Nelson Mandela

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) joins with millions of people around the world in expressing deep sorrow upon hearing the news of the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela. "Nelson Mandela was more than a hero to the South African people," said AFGE National Vice President for Women and Fair Practices Augusta Thomas. "He came to signify the integrity and commitment of those who, despite the odds, stood against oppression and injustice. "Many … [Read more...] about US’s Largest Federal Employee Union Mourns Loss of Humanitarian Nelson Mandela

The IFP National Executive Committee met urgently this afternoon at the IFP Head Office to discuss primarily the very sad news of the demise of South Africa's first democratic President. Dr Nelson Mandela. The NEC resolved that, as a sign of respect to this great icon of our struggle and in response to the declared period of mourning, the party will suspend all political activities that had been scheduled and this suspension will go on until Dr Mandela has been laid to rest. … [Read more...] about IFP suspends activities to honour Mandela

South Africans and millions of people from around the world are today mourning the loss of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, our first democratically elected President of a free South Africa. An international icon and a symbol of hope for the oppressed and marginalised people across the globe, former President Mandela dedicated his life in service of humanity and contributed immensely to the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world. Former President Mandela worked tirelessly in the … [Read more...] about Minister Nkoana-Mashabane pays tribute to former President Nelson Mandela

The International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) and its 178 member organisations throughout the world, including Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) in South Africa, pay tribute to Nelson Mandela and express their sincere condolences to his wife and children and to the entire nation of South Africa. Mandela was a man who tirelessly dedicated his life to fighting arbitrariness and injustice. He was imprisoned for 27 years for his resolute fight against racism and segregation and was a symbol of … [Read more...] about FIDH Tribute to Nelson Mandela: The Passing of a Man of Peace

"We have lost one of the world's passionate defenders of the right to food," said Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Director-General José Graziano da Silva, on learning of the death of Nelson Mandela, former South Africa president. "As a true champion of human rights, Nelson Mandela understood that the hunger of millions of people was unjust and unsustainable," said the FAO Director-General. "At FAO, we have been inspired over the years by Mandela's repeated … [Read more...] about FAO lauds Nelson Mandela as champion of right to food