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World leaders mourn Madiba

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Condolence messages are pouring in for the late former South African President Nelson Mandela.

African leaders have conveyed their sympathy for and solidarity with the people of South Africa as they mourn the late anti-apartheid icon.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan described him as a wise, courageous and compassionate leader, and an icon of true democracy.

“Although it has come at the advanced age of 95, Madiba’s death will create a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill in our continent. He will be sorely missed by all who cherish love, peace and freedom, and will be eternally honoured for his immense contribution to the dismantling of the apartheid policy, one of the world’s most obnoxious systems whose underpining philosophy was the degradation of man by man,” Jonathan said.

Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete said Africa and the world in general have lost an iconic leader of the 20th and 21st centuries.

“Mandela is a good example of how humankind is supposed to live,” Kikwete said, urging South Africans and people across the world to emulate the life of Mandela.

Kikwete has announced three days of national mourning beginning Friday, in which Tanzania’s national flag will fly at half-mast.

Neighbouring Mozambican Prime Minister Alberto Vaquina also paid homage, with his country’s parliament on Friday morning observing a minute of silence.

The two nations enjoy very close relations. Former Mozambican Prime Minister Aires Ali said it was now a moment to celebrate what the anti-apartheid icon had done for humanity and a moment to evaluate the teachings he had transmitted.

“I think they will be of good use for the entire world. We all know his values and how they can help us live as brothers,” said Ali.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, ex-President Mwai Kibaki and ex-Prime Minister Raila Odinga led the rest of Kenyans in sending condolences, terming Mandela as “an outstanding African statesman and icon”.

Messages also came from as far as India. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh described Mandela’s death as “India’s loss”.

“A giant among men has passed away. This is as much India’s loss as South Africa’s. He was a true Gandhian. His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come. I join all those who are praying for his soul,” Singh tweeted.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said Mandela was an example that “will guide all those who fight for social justice and for peace in the world.”

“His fight became a paradigm not only for the African continent but also for all those who fight for justice, freedom and equality,” she said.

It was business unusual as the Pakistani parliament was adjourned to pay homage to Mandela. Members expressed shock at his passing and lauded Mandela’s struggle against apartheid.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.