Annan, Coltart Among Tributes For Heroic Mandela

Zimeye.com

By Audrey Charowa

10th December 2013

Tributes for former South African President,  Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (95) started to pour in soon after the announcement of his death by current President, Jacob Zuma on Thursday night.

The following are excerpts of statements made by statesmen, entertainers, activists, Sportsmen and celebrities  around the world in reaction to the nonagenarian’s passing.

Tributes internationally were led by US President, Barack Obama who himself was inspired by Mandela to become America’s first ever black President.  Obama eulogised Mandela thus:

“He achieved more than could be expected of any man… He no longer belongs to us he belongs to the ages. Through his fierce dignity and unbending will to sacrifice his own freedom for the freedom of others, Madiba transformed South Africa and moved all of us… And the fact that he did it all with grace and good humour, and an ability to acknowledge his own imperfections, only makes the man that much more remarkable.

To the people of South Africa, we draw strength from the example of renewal, and reconciliation, and resilience that you made real.

For now, let us pause and give thanks for the fact that Nelson Mandela lived — a man who took history in his hands, and bent the arc of the moral universe toward justice.  May God Bless his memory and keep  him in peace.”

Speaking to Sky News, Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, reflected “Where Africa is today is vastly different from the Africa Nelson Mandela grew up… He gave many Africans the confidence, strength & courage to overcome the problems of the past.”

Former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan tweeted “I have lost a dear friend. Nelson Mandela stands as an inspiration to us all.”

British Prime Minister, David Cameron said “A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time.”

Anti-Mugabe clergyman,  John Sentamu offered a prayer saying, “Today the world mourns the death of NELSON MANDELA. Gracious Father You gave up Your Son out of love for the world: Look with mercy on MADIBA”

British opposition leader Ed Miliband said that the world has ”lost the global hero of our age. Nelson Mandela showed us the true meaning of courage, hope, and reconciliation. Deep condolences to Graça Machel (Mr Mandela’s wife), his family and friends and to all the people of South Africa.”

Zimbabwe’s former Minister of Education,  David Coltart wrote “My prayer for Southern Africa is that we will never forget the deep rooted commitment to human rights lived out by #Madiba”

Human Rights Watch’s Africa Director said “#Mandela, Africa’s greatest hero, passes but his work lives inspiring and challenging us for commitment to human rights.”

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki took the opportunity to of Mandela’s passing to make what appears to be a snide swipe at the current South African Government’s record,  in his official address saying “As we mourn President Mandela’s passing we must ask ourselves the fundamental question – what shall we do to respond to the tasks of building a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa, a people centred society free of hunger, poverty, disease and inequality, as well as Africa’s renaissance, to whose attainment President Nelson Mandela dedicated his whole life?

We convey our heartfelt condolences to his dear wife, Graça Machel, and the rest of his entire family.”

South African oscar winning actress, Charlize Theron, reminisced saying “I remember Soweto. Election day 1994. Standing in line with elderly South Africans voting for the first time in their lives.  #Mandela”

Human Rights Activist, Musician and U2 frontman, Bono said “As an activist I have pretty much been doing what Nelson Mandela tells me since I was a teenager.”

CNN Anchor Christian Amanpour wrote “Mandela kept the country together at a time when it very well could have spun into civil war.”  CNN hardliner, John King  could hardly hold back tears while on air.

“Mandela stood for justice and truth! Today the world lost a beautiful soul, fighter and true KING!! #RIPMandela” wrote Mogul Sean “Diddy” Combes.

Actress Kerry Washington “My thoughts and love go out to the Mandela family. Rest in Peace Madiba. You will be missed but your impact on this world will live forever. ”

Golf sensation Gary Player said “Nelson Mandela’s courage, forgiveness, love & hope inspired people around the world. He made me want to be a better man. RIP Tata”

Former boxing heavyweight champion, Muhammad Ali said “Mandela: One name. One man. One mission: Saving a nation from itself.  Few men in the history of mankind have had more impact on a nation and inspired the world.”

Veteran actor, Morgan Freeman, who played Nelson Mandela in the blockbuster movie Invictus said “As we remember his triumphs, let us, in his memory, not just reflect on how far we’ve come, but on how far we have to go.”

US thespian and Movie Producer, Tyler Perry said “There are only three people that I wanted to meet in life,  Nelson Mandela was one of them.”

Model and Fast and Furious actor Tyrese Gibson told his followers “We lost a man who literally dedicated his life on making a difference….. His heart will still beat…”

Entertainer Jamie Foxx tweeted to 3.5million followers “Thank you for your mark you left on Humanity Mr. Mandela. Prayers to his family,  friends and the people of South Africa.”

Head of Zimbabwean mega-church, Celebration Church, Pastor Tom Deuschle passionately wrote “One of Africa’s few examples of leadership and humility! A man who served his fellow man, someone who exemplified Jesus call to be a reconciler! Nelson Mandela — you served Africa well!”

MDC UK member, Angelbert Munjanja eulogised thus “Mr Mandela was a hero and a father of Southern Africa. Like a true warrior he slayed the beast and freed his people. He will be greatly missed but he will never be forgotten”

Zimbabwean diasporan human rights activist Gladys Meck said “May his very great soul rest in peace . He was so loved and revered the over. He had the heart of a saint. One of the few politicians who believed in true reconciliation and also practiced it. You fought the good fight Tata. Hamba Kuhle!”

Mandela who was only removed from the US terror watchlist in July 2008 will be buried in his traditional home after a state funeral it has been announced by Jacob Zuma.