Johannesburg – Nelson Mandela will be missed for his contribution to South African sport, Sascoc chief executive Tubby Reddy said on Friday.
“Tata Mandela was instrumental in promoting the role of sport as an organ of change in our society and deserves huge credit for his extraordinary vision,” Reddy said.
“It goes without saying that it is the duty of all our sportsmen and women to, at all times, continue to pay tribute to his legacy by conducting themselves in a fitting manner wherever they may be competing in national colours.”
The former president died on Thursday night at his Houghton, Johannesburg, home surrounded by family. He was 95.
Reddy said: “It was Madiba's willingness to pursue a path of reconciliation and nation-building that has allowed South African sportsmen and women the opportunity to achieve so much on the global stage.”
SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee president Gideon Sam added his condolences from Taiwan.
“There will be no other inspirational leader for sport in the mould of Madiba and we say farewell to him with all the dignity and respect a man of his stature deserves.” – Sapa