Johannesburg – The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation said it felt a profound sense of loss at the death of former president Nelson Mandela.
“At the same time we are immensely proud that one of our own is loved and revered on every corner of the globe and stands tall amongst the greatest leaders of the 20th century,” the foundation said in a statement.
“These are extremely difficult times for the Mandela family, but we are sure that they will see it through with courage, grace, and dignity.”
The foundation sent its condolences to the family and his close friends.
It said that looking back on almost 20 years of democracy it had witnessed Mandela's solidarity with the nation-state.
However, a truly non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and equitable society was still a long way off, and would require unwavering adherence to Mandela's vision.
“As South Africans, we are immensely proud that the name Nelson Mandela will enjoy a place in history along with those of Julius Nyerere, Samora Machel, Martin Luther King Junior and Mahatma Gandhi, and will forever reverberate as an international symbol of justice, equality, leadership, courage and magnanimity.”
Sapa