Johannesburg -
The Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa) on Friday mourned former president Nelson Mandela, but also celebrated him.
“Tata Madiba is undoubtedly the biggest icon ever to emerge from South Africa, and his contribution to South African history can never be sufficiently emphasised,” general secretary Dennis George said in a statement.
“Although we are mourning the passing of Madiba, it would be wrong not to celebrate the life that he lived.”
George said he remembered when Mandela, after being elected president, asked to meet Fedusa. He said it was a wonderful experience to shake hands with Mandela.
Mandela died on Thursday night at his Houghton, Johannesburg, home surrounded by family. He was 95.
Flags around the country would be flown at half-mast from Friday until after his funeral. - Sapa