Durban - Former South African president Nelson Mandela should not be compared to other icons of the world, KwaZulu-Natal University rector Malegapuru Makgoba said on Thursday.
Makgoba, who was speaking at a ceremony at the university to commemorate Mandela's death, said even in death Mandela commanded power and inspiration.
“Who could get (US President Barack) Obama to shake hands with (Cuban President) Raul Castro? That is the mark of a truly exceptional person. He is like no other and he needs no comparison.”
Obama and Castro shook hands at the memorial for Mandela at the FNB Stadium, in Soweto, on Tuesday.
Mandela died on Thursday night at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, at the age of 95. He will be buried in his hometown of Qunu, in the Eastern Cape, on Sunday.
Sapa