Zee Media Bureau
Johannesburg: Former South African president Nelson Mandela has died at age 95 of complications from a recurring lung infection.
Here is how global leaders reacted to the icon`s death:
South African President Jacob Zuma: Our nation has lost its greatest son, our people has lost its father. Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss.
US President Barack Obama: A man who took history in his hands and bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice. Let us pause, give thanks that Nelson Mandela lived...He no longer belongs to us. He belongs to the ages...I am one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela`s life. And like so many around the globe, I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh: A giant among men has passed away. This is as much India’s loss as South Africa’s. He was a true Gandhian. His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come. I join all those who ate praying for his soul.
Dalai Lama: His Holiness said that he will personally miss a dear friend who he had hoped to meet again and for whom he had great admiration and respect," a statement from the Dalai Lama`s office said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin: Greatest politicians in modern times. A whole era of modern African history is connected with the name of Nelson Mandela, which is marked by victory over apartheid and building the democratic South Africa.
Pakistani teen activist Malala Yousafzai: Nelson Mandela is physically separated from us but his soul and spirit will never die. He belongs to the whole world because he is an icon of equality, freedom and love, the values we need all the time everywhere.
Former US president Bill Clinton: I will never forget my friend Madiba.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon: He was a "giant for justice and a down-to-earth human inspiration". "Let us continue each day to be inspired by Nelson Mandela`s lifelong example - to keep working for a better and more just world".
UK Prime Minister David Cameron: A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time.
Billionaire philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates: From prisoner to president, Nelson Mandela was tireless in his pursuit of equality and justice for all people.
Archbishop emeritus Desmond Tutu: He transcended race and class in his personal actions, through his warmth and through his willingness to listen and to empathize with others. He taught us that to respect those with whom we are politically or socially or culturally at odds is not a sign of weakness, but a mark of self-respect.
