Africa > Southern Africa > Botswana > Botswana's President Khama said Mandela was a remarkable figure.

Botswana: Botswana's President Khama said Mandela was a remarkable figure.

2013/12/09

Botswana has joined the international community in mourning the passing of South Africa former president Nelson Mandela. The diamond rich South Africa’s neighbour issued two separate messages to the government of South Africa and the Mandela family.

“I wish to convey to you and through you to the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, our deepest sympathies and most heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and in particular, the Mandela family,” said President Ian Khama on Friday.

Khama said Mandela was a remarkable figure.

“His consummate belief and steadfast commitment to the fundamental principles of liberty, justice and equality were immense,” Khama said, adding that Mandela had a strong moral standing and deep intolerance for human suffering of any kind.

“These were values he inexorably fought for, enduring immense personal suffering and sacrifice along the way.”

Conveying condolences to the late president’s wife Graça Machel and all Mandela family President Khama said: “Today is a sad day not only for your beloved family, but for all South Africa and beyond as we all mourn a revered icon of liberation, a man of immeasurable virtue and integrity, who contributed immensely to the advancement of equality and justice for all South Africans.

“Draw solace from the fact that Madiba was indeed a remarkable man, a source of inspiration and great strength to a lot of.”

The late Mandela received additional than 250 honours, inclunding the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize.

He was often referred to by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, or as Tata ('Father').

He died on Thursday in Johannesburg following a long illness at the age of 95.

Botswana shares a lot of history with the Mandela legacy because of his frequent visits to the country during South Africa's liberation struggle.

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