JOBURG – It was with heartbreak and sorrow that South Africa received the news in the early hours of Friday morning that Statesman Nelson Mandela had died at his Houghton Home.
Former President Nelson Mandela died at the age of 95 after remaining in a critical but stable condition for months.
President Jacob Zuma announced the death of Madiba live from the Union Building on 5 December.
“Our beloved Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the founding president of our democratic nation has departed. He passed on peacefully in the company of family around 8:50 on the 5th of December 2013” Zuma sadly announced.
“Our Nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost their father. Although we knew this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss.”
Mandela had been suffering from a recurring lung infection spending almost three months in hospital this year before being treated at his Houghton home shortly prior to his death at around 8:50pm.
Madiba’s infectious courage captured the hearts of many across the globe and he leaves behind a legacy that epitomises a great leader.
“His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world. His humility, his compassion, and his humanity earned him their love,” Zuma added.
“Our thoughts are with his wife Mrs Graca Machel, his former wife Ms Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, with his children, his grand-children, his great grand-children and the entire family.”
“Our thoughts are with his friends, comrades and colleagues who fought alongside Madiba over the course of a lifetime of struggle.”
Rest in peace Tata Madiba.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013
Click here for a full feature on Madiba’s life.
