Johannesburg – All South Africans should join hands as they mourn the passing of former president Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday, and also celebrate his life, the DA said.
“Let us re-affirm his values and recapture his spirit in all we do,” Democratic Alliance said in a statement.
“It is with deep and profound sadness that we say: Lala ngoxolo Tata. Asoze sikulibale (Rest in peace Tata, we will never forget you).”
The party sent its condolences to his family.
“May they find the strength to overcome the pain of this great loss. And may the entire Mandela family be accorded the respect they deserve at this time.
“May they be accorded the right to mourn in peace. The nation mourns with them,” the party said.
President Jacob Zuma announced his death on SABC just before midnight.
“He passed on peacefully in the company of his family around 20.50pm on December 5. He is now resting, he is now at peace. Our nation has lost its greatest son.
“Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together and it is together that we bid him farewell.”
Sapa