President Jacob Zuma has thanked the Mandela family for sharing the former president with the nation.
Zuma announced to the world that the 95-year-old former statesman had passed away just before nine o’clock Thursday night.
Mandela was separated from his family for 27-years to serve a life sentence for treason, and returned to negotiate South Africa’s democracy, before becoming president.
Zuma says the nation is indebted to the Mandela family.
“To them we owe a debt of gratitude they have sacrificed much and endured much so that our people could be free our thought are with his wife Mrs. Graca Machel, his former wife Ms Winnie Madikizela- Mandela with his children and his great grandchildren and his entire family.”
Friday 6 December 2013 10:37
Members of Parliament and the public will also have access to a book of condolences that will be opened for messages of support.
Parliament will soon have a special joint sitting to reflect on the life and legacy of the late former president, Nelson Mandela.
In a statement released by Parliament’s presiding officers – National Assembly Speaker Max Sisulu, National Council of Provinces chairperson, Mninwa Mahlangu, and their deputies have paid tribute to the first president of the democratic South Africa.
Members of Parliament and the public will also have access to a book of condolences that will be opened for messages of support. Spokesperson, Estelle Randall, says further announcements on the plans will be made in due course.
