Businesses pay respects to Mandela

Mourners hold up a Nelson Mandela poster during a tribute event in his honour at the Cape Town City Hall on Sunday. Picture: Mark Wessels

Mourners hold up a Nelson Mandela poster during a tribute event in his honour at the Cape Town City Hall on Sunday. Picture: Mark Wessels

Published Dec 12, 2013

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Microsoft

It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the passing of former president Nelson Mandela. As one of the great beacons of hope, reconciliation and nation-building of the modern age, his loss is not only felt by his family and his country, but by the entire world. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with you, the nation, the people and the families affected by this loss. Throughout his life, Mr Mandela has always driven a strong message of hope, freedom and the need to give back to the nation. We encourage you to continue to live out his legacy. Let us celebrate the life of this iconic man, and to immortalise him through our actions as individuals and citizens each and every day. – Jean-Philippe Courtois, the president of Microsoft International

Unilever

Chief executive Paul Polman wrote to Mandela’s widow, Graça Machel, to offer condolences. In his letter he wrote: “The qualities of leadership that Nelson Mandela came to symbolise are needed more today than ever before… He embodied a set of beliefs and values – of decency, justice, courage and respect – that transcended geographies, cultures and religions.”

LG

The South African website has a banner reading: “It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to the father of this nation. Tata, we will never forget his sacrifice. We’re here because of you!”

Apple

A black and white photo depicting a smiling Mandela with his hands clasped is the opening interface to the Apple website. The only words on the screen are: Nelson Mandela 1918 – 2013

Deloitte

The website has a colour photo of Mandela with a quote from the late statesman: “Man’s goodness is a flame than can be hidden but never extinguished.”

Old Mutual

It was with immense sadness that we heard of the passing of Nelson Mandela. His vision, courage and leadership have been an inspiration to us all. Through his capacity for forgiveness and reconciliation, he has left a lasting legacy of a strong, unified and democratic South Africa. The life of Mr Mandela will continue to inspire South Africa and the world for generations to come - and it is our fervent hope that the characteristics we associate with Mr Mandela, that of integrity, compassion and generosity, will continue to shape society. – Ralph Mupita, the chief executive of Old Mutual Emerging Markets

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