In their first statement since his death, Nelson Mandela’s family said they have ‘Lost a great man, a son of the soil.”
Lt. Gen. Temba Matanzima, a spokesman
for the Mandela family, read the statement to journalists Saturday in
Johannesburg, according to the Cable News Network.
The statement said: “The pillar of the royal Mandela family is no more with us physically, but his spirit is still with us.”
The statement further indicated “We have
lost a great man, a son of the soil whose greatness in our family was
in the simplicity of his nature in our midst – a caring family leader
who made time for all and on that score we will miss him dearly.”
Mandela died Thursday at age 95.
Matanzima likened the late president to a baobab tree that had provided shade and protection to the Mandela family.
“Yes, it has not been easy for the last
two days and it won’t be pleasant for the days to come,” the family
statement said. “But with the support we are receiving from here and
beyond and in due time all will be well for the family.”
Announcing further details of the state
funeral arrangements, the government said that the late president’s body
was being prepared by the military health service before it lay in
state.
• On Sunday, 8 December, a national day
of prayer and reflection will be held across the country to celebrate Mr
Mandela’s life and legacy
•Tuesday, 10 December is the day for
South Africa’s official memorial service at the FNB Stadium on the
outskirts of Johannesburg, which will attract world leaders as well as
ordinary South Africans
•Between 11-13 December, “selected
international visitors and guests” will be able to view Mandela’s
remains at the Union Buildings in Pretoria
•His body will be transported on
Saturday, 14 December, from Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria to the
Eastern Cape, with a procession from the airport at Mthatha to his home
village of Qunu where a traditional ceremony will be held
•A funeral service will take place at Qunu on Sunday, 15 December
Qunu is where Mandela grew up and later retired to.
Flags at all official buildings are to
remain at half mast throughout the period and books of condolence are
being circulated across the country and online for people to post
tributes, record memories and express their emotions.
President Jacob Zuma urged South
Africans to go to stadiums, halls, churches, temples or synagogues on
Sunday to remember their former leader.
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