World leaders pay respects to Nelson Mandela
World leaders have led tributes to former South African president Nelson Mandela, who has died aged 95, following a long battle with illness.
South African president Jacob Zuma announced the revered anti-apartheid icon had died on Wednesday 5 December, saying in a nationally televised address: "Fellow South Africans, our beloved Nelson Rohlihla Mandela, the founding president of our democratic nation, has departed."
He added: "Our people have lost a father. Although we knew this day was going to come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss. His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world. His humility, passion and humanity, earned him their love."
World leaders pay tribute
The death of former South African president Nelson Mandela has sent shock waves across Australia and the world with leaders lining up to pay their respects to iconic 'leader of modern South Africa'.
Barack Obama
Barack Obama said the world had lost one of its 'most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings'.
“He no longer belongs to us; he belongs to the ages," Obama said.
"I am one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela's life. My very first political action — the first thing I ever did that involved an issue or a policy or politics was a protest against apartheid. I would study his words and his writings.
"The day he was released from prison it gave me a sense of what human beings can do when they're guided by their hopes and not by their fears. And like so many around the globe, I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set. And so long as I live, I will do what I can to learn from him."
David Cameron
UK Prime Minister David Cameron said the flag at No. 10 Downing Street would be flown at half mast in honour of Nelson Mandela, 'a hero of our time'.
He tweeted: 'A great light has gone out in the world."
In a statement, he said: "Nelson Mandela was a towering figure in our time; a legend in life and now in death - a true global hero."
He added: "Meeting him was one of the great honours of my life. My heart goes out to his family - and to all in South Africa and around the world whose lives were changed through his courage."
Tony Abbott
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has released a statement praising 'a great man' who overcame suffering to lead his country.
"The world mourns the passing of Nelson Mandela," the statement reads.
"Nelson Mandela will forever be remembered as more than a political leader, he was a moral leader.
"He spent much of his life standing against the injustice of apartheid.
"When that fight was won, he inspired us again by his capacity to forgive and reconcile his country.
"While the world may never see another Nelson Mandela, he has inspired countless men and women throughout the world to live more courageous and honest lives.
"On behalf of the Australian Government and the Australian community, I extend my condolences to Mr Mandela’s family and to the people of South Africa."
Ban Ki-moon
UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon hailed Mandela as a 'down to earth human inspiration'.
"Nelson Mandela was a singular figure on the global stage - a man of quiet dignity and towering achievement, a giant for justice and a down-to-earth human inspiration," he told reporters.
"I am profoundly saddened by his passing. On behalf of the United Nations, I extend my deepest condolences to the people of South Africa and especially to Nelson Mandela’s family and loved ones.
"Nelson Mandela showed what is possible for our world and within each one of us - if we believe, dream and work together."
Laurent Fabius
French Foreign Minister Lauren Fabius said in a statement that Mr Mandela was a 'charismatic giant'.
"With Nelson Mandela, the father of South Africa has died, the driving force for freedom and for reconciliation," he said.
Stephen Harper
Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper said on Twitter: "All of Canada mourns with the family of Nelson Mandela and the citizens of South Africa. The world has lost one of its great moral leaders."
Bill Clinton
Former US President Bill Clinton took to Twitter to remember his old friend, posting a photo along with this heartfelt message: "I will never forget my friend Madiba."
"Today the world has lost one of its most important leaders and one of its finest human beings," Mr Clinton said in a statement.
"History will remember Nelson Mandela as a champion for human dignity and freedom, for peace and reconciliation."
Prince William
Prince William learned of Nelson Mandela's death during a London film premiere of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
He said Nelson Mandela's death was 'extremely sad and tragic news.'
"We are just reminded of what an extraordinary and inspiring man Nelson Mandela was," he said.
Full Coverage: Nelson Mandela dies aged 95
Mandela remembered in Australia
Other Australian politicians also took to Twitter to honour Mandela, including former prime ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard.
Opposition leader Bill Shorten tweeted about Mandela’s inspirational leadership.
In Adelaide, cricketers and spectators put aside their bitter Ashes rivalry to hold a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for Mandela.
Players are also wearing black armbands for today's play.
Twitter tributes to Nelson Mandela
Celebrities, sporting stars and political figures have turned to Twitter to pay their respects to Nelson Mandela.
Microsoft tycoon Bill Gates, business mogul Richard Branson, boxing champ Mike Tyson, Hollywood star Samuel L Jackson and pop sensation Rihanna were among those to share their sadness via social media.
