World leaders pay tribute to Madiba

In this May 15, 2004 ?le photo, former South African President Nelson Mandela lifts the World Cup trophy in Zurich, Switzerland, after FIFA’s executive committee announced that South Africa would host the 2010 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament. [PHOTO: AP]

By DAVID OHITO and Agencies

World leaders reacted instantly to the death of South Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela and paid glowing tributes.

The world mourned when South African President Jacob Zuma addressed the nation on television to break the news of his death late yesterday. Mandela had been in and out of hospital and passed on aged 95.

Global television channels immediately beamed their bulletins and features on the late icon, constantly replaying his unique voice and trademark grey hair, displaying his images during the anti-apartheid struggle to recap the story of one of the world's most popular individuals of all time.

Mandela died at 9.50 pm Kenyan time in the company of his family. Leaders eulogised the man whose stature has become an inspiration for many across the globe. Digital platforms too were abuzz with the news of his death as more contributors looked, not at his passing on, but at the legacy he bequeathed the world.

He is remembered as a peace-maker and unifier of a racially divided South Africa and as a man who fought for justice and spent 27 years in prison. Historians will question what value Mandela would have brought to the world if he had spent the 27 years of his imprisonment a free man. Here are some of the tributes:

South African President Jacob Zuma

?"My Fellow South Africans, our beloved Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the founding President of our democratic nation, has departed. He passed on peacefully in the company of his family around 20h50 on the 5th of December 2013. He is now resting. He is now at peace. Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father. Our people have lost a father. Although we knew this day was going to come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss.

His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world. His humility, passion and humanity earned him their love. Our nation has lost its greatest son.

African National Congress

South Africa and the world have lost a colossus and epitome of humility, equality, justice and peace. His life gives us the courage to push forward for development and progress towards ending hunger and poverty.

Former South African President FW de Klerk

South Africa has lost one of its founding fathers and one of its greatest sons. Nelson Mandela's courage, charm and commitment to reconciliation and to the Constitution were an inspiration not only for South Africans but for the whole world.

I believe that his example will live on and that it will continue to inspire all South Africans to achieve his vision of non-racialism, justice, human dignity and equality for all. Tata, we shall miss you - but know that your spirit and example will always be there to guide us to the vision of a better and more just South Africa.

South Africa's Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

He was a unifier from the moment he walked out of prison. We are relieved that his suffering is over, but our relief is drowned by our grief. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan

Dr Mandela served as a source of inspiration to the oppressed peoples all over the world. In the course of his lifelong epic struggle for freedom, fairness, justice, equity and the human rights of his oppressed people, Dr Mandela made unparalleled personal sacrifices.

The indefatigable spirit which he demonstrated throughout his life will continue to inspire present and future generations.

US President Barack Obama

We've lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this earth. 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. His journey from a prisoner to a president embodied the promise that human beings and countries can change for the better.

British Prime Minister David Cameron

A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time. I've asked for the flag at No10 to be flown at half-mast.

French President Francois Hollande

Nelson Mandela made history. That of South Africa and the whole world. Nelson Mandela's message will not disappear. It will continue to inspire fighters for freedom, and to give confidence to peoples in the defence of just causes and universal rights.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

Nelson Mandela was a giant for justice and a down-to-earth human inspiration. Many around the world were greatly influenced by his selfless struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom. He touched our lives in deeply personal ways.

At the same time, no-one did more in our time to advance the values and aspirations of the United Nations. Nelson Mandela showed what is possible for our world and within each one of us - if we believe, dream and work together for justice and humanity.

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton

More than anyone else, Nelson Mandela inspired my generation and our world.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff

He conducted with passion and intelligence one of the most important processes of emancipation in contemporary human history - the end of apartheid in South Africa.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Nelson Mandela was one of the most honourable figures of our time. He was the father of his people, a man of vision, a freedom fighter who rejected violence. He set a personal example for his people in the long years he spent in prison.

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny

The name Mandela stirred our conscience and our hearts. It became synonymous with the pursuit of dignity and freedom across the globe. Today, a great light has been extinguished. The boy from the Transkei has finished his long walk. His journey transformed not just South Africa, but humanity itself.

Former US President George W Bush

President Mandela was one of the great forces for freedom and equality of our time. He bore his burdens with dignity and grace, and our world is better off because of his example. This great man will be missed, but his contributions will live on forever.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key

Nelson Mandela was an inspirational leader, and a remarkable man. For years he symbolised South Africa's hope for a future free from apartheid. Mr Mandela was a force for change, not only in South Africa but around the world.

Former US President Bill Clinton

History will remember Nelson Mandela as a champion for human dignity and freedom, for peace and reconciliation. We will remember him as a man of uncommon grace and compassion, for whom abandoning bitterness and embracing adversaries was not just a political strategy but a way of life.

Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe

The world has lost a great leader and an inspiration to humanity today. We wish the people of South Africa and in particular President Mandela's family our deepest and sincerest condolences. Haiti will never forget this great leader.

Former US President Jimmy Carter

The people of South Africa and human rights advocates around the world have lost a great leader. His passion for freedom and justice created new hope for generations of oppressed people worldwide, and because of him, South Africa is today one of the world's leading democracies.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto

Humanity has lost a tireless champion of peace, liberty and equality. Rest in peace Nelson Mandela.

Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt

Nelson Mandela was a man who changed the world. He was as firm in his belief in the equal value of every human being as he was strong in his will and ability to bring about reconciliation. He chose reconciliation where others would have chosen vengeance.

He created a new South Africa and gave people around the world a role model and an ideal.