Johannesburg - The death of former president Nelson Mandela will not affect race relations in South Africa, the South African Institute of Race Relations said on Friday.
“Mr Mandela’s death will not destabilise race relations in the country, contrary to fears sometimes expressed,” said the SAIRR’s head of research, Lerato Moloi.
“For many years now, South Africans have got along with one another largely peacefully without Mr Mandela having been active in the political sphere.”
She said people might be affected positively by Mandela's death.
“In fact, Mr Mandela’s passing may be cause for many to reflect on the remarkably peaceful and swift racial integration of many parts of society, including schools, suburbs, universities, and workplaces.”
The institute said it was saddened by the news and sent its condolences to his family.
Mandela died on Thursday night at his Houghton home, surrounded by family. He was 95.
Sapa