The death of Nelson Mandela at age 95 has brought forth a worldwide outpouring of tributes, condolences and reactions. The icon of the anti-apartheid struggle, the former President of South Africa and Nobel Laureate was an international figure of inestimable influence in his lifetime. He died on Thursday, December 5, 2013.
Nelson Mandela endured 27 years in prison as a leader in the fight against apartheid rule in South Africa. His tremendous personal sacrifice brought about an end of the oppressive system of governance and freedom to the country’s majority. His release from prison in 1990 and his subsequent election as the first black president of South Africa were nothing short of transformational.
Nelson Mandela shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 with former South African President F. W. De Klerk for their joint efforts in bringing about a nonviolent end to apartheid. Prior to his retirement from public life, Mandela spent his years out of elected office as a revered elder statesman, humanitarian and philanthropist.
As news of his death spread around the world, reactions came in from everywhere, in major media as well as social media, especially Twitter. Here is a roundup of some of the numerous reactions and tributes from public figures including heads of state, world leaders and celebrities.
World Leaders React…
UK Prime Minister David Cameron: “A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time.”
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper: “All of Canada mourns with the family of Nelson Mandela and the citizens of South Africa. The world has lost one of its great moral leaders.”
India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh: “He was a true Gandhian. His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come.”
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton: “I will never forget my friend Madiba.”
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter: “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….”
Former U.S. 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.”
Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush: “…. “a man of tremendous moral courage, who changed the course of history.”
U.S. President Barack Obama: “….The day that he was released from prison gave me a sense of what human beings can do when they are guided by their hopes instead of their fears.”
Public Figures and Celebrities React….
Idris Elba (who portrayed him in the movie “Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom”): “….What an honor it was to step into the shoes of Nelson Mandela and portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers, and championed human rights before the eyes of the world….”
Morgan Freeman (who portrayed him in the movie “Invictus”): “Today the world lost one of the true giants of the past century. Nelson Mandela was a man of incomparable honor, unconquerable strength, and unyielding resolve — a saint to many, a hero to all who treasure liberty, freedom and the dignity of humankind.
Oprah Winfrey: “He was everything you’ve ever heard and more – humble and unscathed by bitterness. And he always loved to tell a good joke. Being in his presence was like sitting with grace and majesty at the same time. He will always be my hero. His life was a gift to us all.”
Donald Trump: “Nelson Mandela and myself had a wonderful relationship — he was a special man and will be missed.”
Beyoncé: “Thank you for all you have sacrificed to improve the lives of other human beings. Rest in peace.”
Samuel L. Jackson: “Never met a better person in my life than Nelson Mandela. My sympathy to his family & his country.”
Larry King: “Sad to hear about the passing of Nelson Mandela — he was the greatest figure of the 21st century — a fascinating man.”
Bono: “Mandela played with the highest stakes. He put his family, his country, his time, his life on the line, and he won most of these contests. Stubborn til the end for all the right reasons, it felt like he very nearly outstared his maker. Today, finally, he blinked. And some of us cry, knowing our eyes were opened to so much because of him.”
Bill Gates: “Every time Melinda and I met Nelson Mandela, we left more inspired than ever. His grace and courage changed the world. This is a sad day.”
Muhammad Ali: “He made us realize, we are our brother’s keeper and that our brothers come in all colors. What I will remember most about Mr. Mandela is that he was a man whose heart, soul and spirit could not be contained or restrained by racial and economic injustices, metal bars or the burden of hate and revenge.”
Mike Tyson: “I’m hearing about Nelson Mandela’s death while on African soil in Oran, Algeria. Sending prayers to Mandela’s family.”
Lauryn Hill: God Bless you Honorable Nelson Mandela ! May you rest well. With Great Respect, Gratitude and Love!
Whoopi Goldberg: “I want 2give the world a hug I was told Mandeba just passed. Nelson Mandela R.I.P. Time for a well earned sleep.Condolences to his family.”
Paul Simon: “He conceived a model for mortal enemies to overcome their hatred and find a way through compassion to rebuild a nation based on truth, justice and the power of forgiveness. His passing should reignite a worldwide effort for peace.”
Justin Timberlake: One of our GREATEST leaders… Thank you for BEING the true meaning of compassion. May you be at peace now.
Tiger Woods: “You will always be in my heart Mr. Mandela.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs: “Mandela stood for justice and truth!! Today the world lost a beautiful soul, fighter and true KING!! #RIPMandela.”
LL Cool J: Nelson Mandela. What a difference one person can make. #RestEternally
John Legend: What a heroic, beautiful life Mandela lived. Rest in peace.
Mariah Carey: “My heart is breaking with everybody in the world, yet I’m feeling so humbled and blessed to have been in the presence of this magnificent soul..arguably the greatest hero ever to grace us. His sacrifice & gift to the world are incomprehensible. RIP Mandela.”
Lady Gaga: It is such a sad yet beautiful moment that Nelson Mandela has passed. A time to celebrate him & remember his contributions to humankind.
Reactions continue to pour in, and discussion of Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy dominate social media. He is a worldwide trending topic on Twitter.
Pictures: PR Photos
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RightCelebrity/~3/ZPDMZcDM4Fs/
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