Social networks were abuzz last night and early this morning with millions from all over the world sending messages of condolences to the Nelson Mandela family and the rest of the country after his passing.
Former president of the United States and Madiba’s friend, Bill Clinton said: “I will never forget my friend Madiba.”
The late Walter Sisulu’s grandson, Shaka, said: “Let’s say our prayers tonight, for the safe passing of Madiba’s great spirit. Let the ones who’ve gone before him receive him and comfort us.”
South African comedian Trevor Noah, said: “One of the funniest and most amazing human beings I’ve ever met. We celebrate your life. VivaMandela.”
“How do we even begin to repay you? Possible to work and live because of you. Never met you, but I love you, thank you tata,” tweeted Bonang Matheba.
Simon Cowell said: “So sad to hear about Nelson Mandela. Rest in peace.”
“Today the world lost one it’s greatest leaders. Rest in peace Mandela,” tweeted Eva Longoria.
South African musician Zwai Bala said: “I have this never ending grin as I watch galleries & footage of our beloved Madiba. Am I alone in this? Rest in peace NelsonMandela.”
Well known actor Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement he released: “I will never forget the time I spent with President Mandela. Even before I met him, he was one of my heroes. But during the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics in South Africa, I had the opportunity to stand with him in his former jail cell at Robben Island to light the torch, and his legend grew before my eyes.”
American rapper Sho Baraka said: “The first ever concert was Janet Jackson. I regret it because my dad wanted me to see Mandela speak in LA fresh out of prison & I refused.”
Well known poet Lebo Mashile tweeted: “Hamba kahle Tata (Go well tata). For one who worked so hard in life, you deserve rest.”
American actor Samuel L. Jackson tweeted: “Never met a better person in my life than Nelson Mandela. My sympathy to his family & his country.
Khaya Dlanga tweeted: “Thank you for what you did for me Nelson Mandela, yet you didn’t even know who I was.”
Helen Zille said: “Let all South Africans join hands as we mourn Madiba’s passing and celebrate his life.”
Justin Timberlake tweeted: “One of our greatest leaders. Thank you for being the true meaning of compassion. May you be at peace now.”
Piers Morgan tweeted: “The world’s lost an iconic leader, South Africa’s lost its very soul. My deepest condolences to those wonderful people. #RIPMadiba”
Mike Tyson tweeted: “Nelson Mandela was the embodiment of discipline, courage, love and forgiveness. “There is no future without forgiveness.”
