JOHANNESBURG – Tributes have poured in for Nelson Mandela following his death last night.
A moment’s silence was held at the start of play on day two of the second test between Australia and England. It was also reported that the Australian team would be wearing black armbands out of respect for the late Madiba.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has joined millions of people in South Africa and around the world who feel a profound sense of loss at the passing of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
“We are immensely proud that one of our own is loved and revered on every corner of the globe and stands tall amongst the greatest leaders of the 20th century. We wish to convey our sincere condolences to Tata Madiba’s family, from whom he had been separated for almost three decades. These are extremely difficult times for the Mandela family, but we are sure that they will see it through with courage, grace and dignity,” read a statement from the foundation.
Fifa president Joseph S Blatter said, “It is in deep mourning that I pay my respects to an extraordinary person, probably one of the greatest humanists of our time and a dear friend of mine, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
“Nelson Mandela will stay in our hearts forever. The memories of his remarkable fight against oppression, his incredible charisma and his positive values will live on in us and with us,” said Blatter.
As a mark of respect and mourning, the flags of the 209 member associations at the Home of Fifa will be flown at half-mast and there will be a minute of silence before the next round of international matches.
A condolence book has been set up at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where the flags are flying at half mast in Mandela’s honour.
Primedia have decided to not show the Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom movie for 24 hours, stating that it was not fair to make money off of such a tragic event.
UPDATE: December 6, 10.30am:
The former statesman’s body was transported to Milatary 1 Hospital in Pretoria in the early hours of this morning and the entrance of the hospital has since been barricaded by police.
For the period of mourning, until 13 December, Mandela’s body is expected to lie in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, guarded by South African National Defence Force personnel.
Madiba’s casket will be placed under a dome close to the Union Buildings on 10 December for three days, the very same place where he took the Oath of Office when he became South Africa’s first democratically elected President in 1994.
Next week, either on Friday or Saturday, Mandela’s body is expected to be taken by military aircraft to his ancestral hometown of Qunu, which he had asked to be his final resting place.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has confirmed he will attend Nelson Mandela’s funeral while White House officials have already privately indicated that Obama will be travelling to South Africa at some time during elaborate funeral ceremonies.
According to reports Obama will likely be joined on Air Force One by other key political leaders from the United States, including some of the living former Presidents, who were quick to react to Mandela’s death with their own statements.
Heads of state and royalty from around the world are expected to make the journey to the rural homestead, where a state funeral will be held and Mandela will be laid to rest.
A memorial service will be held at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. As soon as we have confirmed the details we will give an update.
