World notables recall a ‘giant’
Presidents, ministers, royals and common folk pause to pay tribute to a leader
In nearly seven decades spent fighting for freedom and equality, Nelson Mandela inspired and challenged the world to stand up for others. As word of Mandela’s death spread, current and former presidents, athletes and entertainers, and people around the world spoke about the life and legacy of the former South African leader. From Paris to Beijing, people hailed Mandela’s indomitable courage in the face of adversity as an inspiration for all. In a testament to his universal appeal, political leaders of various stripes joined activists in paying tribute to Mandela as a heroic force for peace and reconciliation. Some knew Mandela personally while many only knew him from afar, but they shared how they drew inspiration from his strength and looked to live his message of continuing the struggle against social injustice and for human rights. President Xi Jinping: “With arduous and extraordinary efforts, he led the people of South Africa to success in the struggle against apartheid, making a historic contribution to the birth and development of a new South Africa.” United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: “Many around the world were influenced by his selfless struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom. He touched our lives in deeply personal ways.” South African President Jacob Zuma: “Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father.” US President Barack Obama: “He achieved more than could be expected of any man.” Russian President Vladimir Putin: “Mandela, having gone through the most difficult ordeals, was committed to the end of his days to the ideals of humanism and justice.” Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II: “He worked tirelessly for the good of his country, and his legacy is the peaceful South Africa we see today.” French President Francois Hollande: “Mandela’s message will not disappear. It will continue to inspire those fighting for freedom and to give confidence to people defending just causes and universal rights.” India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh: “A giant among men has passed away. This is as much India’s loss as South Africa’s. He was a true Gandhian. His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come.’’ Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott: “While the world may never see another Nelson Mandela, he has inspired countless men and women throughout the world to live more courageous and honest lives.” Former US 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 US president Bill Clinton: “History will remember Nelson Mandela as a champion of human dignity and freedom, for peace and reconciliation.” Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev: “His whole life is an example for those who think about their country, the people.” Aung San Suu Kyi, chairperson of the Myanmar National League for Democracy: “He was a great human being who raised the standard of humanity. He made us understand that we can change the world. We can change the world by changing attitudes.” Boxer Muhammad Ali: “He taught us forgiveness on a grand scale. His was a spirit born free, destined to soar above the rainbows. Today his spirit is soaring through the heavens. He is now forever free.” US actor Morgan Freeman, who portrayed Mandela in the film
“Today the world lost one of the true giants of the past century. 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.” Former England football captain David Beckham: “We have lost a true gentleman and a courageous human being. It was truly an honor to have known a man who had genuine love for so many people.”