Charlize, Bono join celeb tributes to Madiba

Charlize, Bono join celeb tributes to Madiba | IOL.co.za: "Actors Morgan Freeman and Idris Elba, who both portrayed Nelson Mandela in the movies, were among many figures from the entertainment world who paid tribute to the South African anti-apartheid hero who died on Thursday.

Freeman, who got to know the charismatic Mandela in the 1990s and portrayed him in the 2009 drama “Invictus,” said he was “a saint to many, a hero to all who treasure liberty, freedom and the dignity of humankind.”

The American actor added: “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. Madiba may no longer be with us, but his journey continues on with me and with all of us.”"

'via Blog this'

Nelson Mandela Foundation: 'No words to express this loss'

Nelson Mandela Foundation: 'No words to express this loss' | Mail & Guardian: "The Nelson Mandela Foundation, The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation said on Friday further arrangements would be announced regarding Mandela's funeral.

"We want to express our sadness at this time. No words can adequately describe this enormous loss to our nation and to the world.

"We give thanks for his life, his leadership, his devotion to humanity and humanitarian causes. We salute our friend, colleague and comrade and thank him for his sacrifices for our freedom. The three charitable organisations that he created dedicate ourselves to continue promoting his extraordinary legacy."

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Madiba's body moved to 1 Military hospital

Madiba's body moved to 1 Military hospital | eNCA: "The body of former president Nelson Mandela has been moved to 1 Military hospital in Pretoria, SABC radio news reported on Friday.

President Jacob Zuma announced on Thursday evening that Mandela died in Johannesburg around 8.50pm. He said Mandela would be given a state funeral and ordered that all flags be flown at half-mast from Friday and remain like that until after the funeral.

"He is now resting, he is now at peace. Our nation has lost its greatest son," Zuma said."

World bows in respect to Mandela

World bows in respect to Mandela | eNCA: "The death Thursday of South Africa's liberation leader and first democratic president Nelson Mandela triggered an unprecedented worldwide chorus of awed respect.

Statesmen, resistance leaders, Nobel laureates and prisoners of conscience have died before, but never had one man united such global unity in honouring his passing.

Foreshadowing the guest list of what will surely be the most important funeral of recent decades, world leaders queued up to issue solemn tributes to the 95-year-old anti-apartheid leader."

Nelson Mandela dies

Nelson Mandela dies | Mail & Guardian: "Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the father of the nation, died on December 5 2013 at the age of 95.

President Jacob Zuma made the announcement from the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday night. He said Mandela passed away at 20:50 in his Houghton home surrounded by his wife, Graça Machel and members of his family.

Zuma said Mandela would have a state funeral and that the flags would fly half-mast from December 6 until after the funeral."

Conflicting reports cast shadow of doubt over health of Mandela

Conflicting reports cast shadow of doubt over health of Mandela | eNCA: "Former President Nelson Mandela’s family is giving conflicting reports about the former statesman’s health.

Last night his granddaughter, Swati Dlamini told eNCA that the elderly statesman is doing well.

But grandson Ndaba described Madiba’s condition as somber.

His eldest daughter Makaziwe, however made reference to the statesman being "on his death bed"."

Family gives update on Madiba's health

Family gives update on Madiba's health | Mail & Guardian: "Former president Nelson Mandela's family resorted to an unusual choice of words to describe his condition in an interview with SABC television news on Tuesday.

His daughter Makaziwe Mandela speaking off the cuff, told the broadcaster: "Tata is still with us. Very strong, as I said very courageous, even in [sic] ... lack of a better word, on his death bed, I think he is still teaching us lessons. Lessons in patience, lessons in love, lessons in tolerance.

"Every moment, every minute with Tata amazes me ... There are times when I have to pinch myself that I come from this man who is so strong, who is a fighter. Even when there are moments when you can see he is struggling but the fighting spirit is still there with him," she said."