This morning flags are flying at half mast throughout the country and across the world to mark the passing last night of South Africa’s first democratically-elected President and most famous son, Nelson Mandela.
At about 11.30pm last night, the President Jacob Zuma went on national television to announce that former president Nelson Mandela had died.
Tata died peacefully at his home in Johannesburg after a long illness, surrounded by his family, said Zuma.
Within minutes of the announcement of his death crowds started gathering outside his Houghton home and outside his former home in Vilikazi Street in Orlando East.
Zuma said this was South Africa’s moment of “deepest sorrow”.
“Our nation has lost its greatest son,” he said.
“Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together, and it is together that we will bid him farewell, said Zuma”
He said Mandela would be given a state funeral and he ordered that all flags be flown at half-mast from Friday and are to remain like that until after the funeral, which, at this stage, will probably take place next Saturday.
Early this morning his body was moved from his Houghton home – it is believed to 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria – in preparation for the funeral.
The date of the funeral has yet to be finalised.
“As we gather to pay our last respects, let us conduct ourselves with the dignity and respect that Madiba personified,” said Zuma.
“Let us be mindful of his wishes and the wishes of his family, said Zuma”
He asked that people, wherever they were gathering in South Africa and the world, recall the values which Mandela fought for and strive to not rest until his vision of a truly united South Africa was realized.
“We will always love you Madiba.
“May your soul rest in peace, said Zuma.
Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama said the world had lost “one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this earth”.
He ordered flags on all American public buildings – including the White House and at all military and US foreign missions – to be flown at hald mast until sunset on Monday.
Obama is expected to attend the state funeral
.
