Johannesburg - Afrikaans cultural movement Orania and former president Nelson Mandela shared the same view of mutual recognition, it said on Friday in a tribute to the struggle icon.
“Because we shared with him the view that mutual recognition rather than denial of our (cultural and political) differences should form the basis for constructive co-operation, there was a special appreciation for his visit and continued interest in Orania and the families (of) Boshoff and Verwoerd,” Orania leader Carel Boshoff said in a statement.
Boshoff sent condolences to Mandela's family and the South Africans who saw him as a father figure.
Although they did not share the same political views, Boshoff said Mandela's legacy would ensure him a place in South African history.
President Jacob Zuma announced just before midnight on Thursday that Mandela had died at his Houghton, Johannesburg home.
“He passed on peacefully in the company of his family around 8.50pm on December 5,” Zuma said.
“He is now resting, he is now at peace. Our nation has lost its greatest son.”
Zuma said flags around the country would be flown at half-mast from Friday until after Mandela's funeral.
Sapa