Johannesburg - The Johannesburg Stock Exchange said it will pause trade for five minutes at 11am (09h00 GMT) on Friday to mark the passing of former president Nelson Mandela.
A sombre South African President Jacob Zuma, announcing that Mandela died at his Johannesburg home on Thursday after a prolonged lung infection, said: “Our people have lost a father.
“Although we knew this day was going to come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss. His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world. His humility, passion and humanity earned him their love,” Zuma added.
Mourners gathered outside Mandela's home and spontaneous tributes sprang up around the world. - Reuters