Tweets commemorate the passing of Madiba

Tuesday marks the fourth anniversary of the death of former statesman Nelson Mandela. His life was characterised by political upheavals and the dawn of a new democratic dispensation in South Africa.

The occasion was commemorated widely on social media by a series of tributes.

Here is a selection of tweets:

Cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro tweeted one of his images of Mandela standing atop the world. “4 years ago today the world bid farewell to an icon – #NelsonMandela – RIP‚” he tweeted. 

Minister of arts and culture Nathi Mthethwa said on Twitter: “On this day in 2013‚ our nation became poorer with the loss of a founding father of our democracy‚ a tenacious freedom fighter who sacrificed dearly for the fruits of political freedom that we enjoy today‚ late President uTata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.” 

Former minister of reconstruction and development during the Mandela presidency Jay Naidoo tweeted: “The time has come for us to Reimagine. Redesign. Reorganize. The Vision and the Action to drive our dream of a better #SA for all 55 m citizens. #activecitizen #servantleadership #NelsonMandela.” 

ANC presidential hopeful Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma tweeted: “Today I wish to join the millions in the world in remembering uTata #NelsonMandela‚ a true champion of the poor and excluded.”

DA leader Mmusi Maimane tweeted: ”Today we commemorate the passing of the Father of our nation‚ the great Nelson Mandela. His values of a reconciled South Africa for all‚ are values we should continue to fight for & cherish. His leadership of all‚ is still what SA needs. We shall continue his legacy. #MandelaLegacy.” 

United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holimisa tweeted: “Commemoration of Madiba”s passing: Rest In Peace Mthembu. The country is yearning for ur leadership style – away from the current schemers & thugs.” 

Retired Indian cricket great Sachin Tendulkar tweeted: “#NelsonMandela was not just the leader of one country‚ he was and remains an inspiration to every country. He knew how to erase boundaries and bring people together. We all can learn from that. #TuesdayThoughts @NelsonMandela.” 

Christo Brand‚ a former Robben Island warder during Mandela’s incarceration‚ tweeted: “Four years ago today we lost Nelson Mandela. My prisoner‚ my friend. Gone but never forgotten. His spirit lives on. Thinking of his family and friends at this time. #mandela #madiba #myprisonermyfriend.” 

The Kathrada Foundation tweeted: “Today is the third anniversary of the death of former South African President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Nelson #Mandela spent 27 years in prison‚ and contributed immensely to the South African liberation struggle. On this day we celebrate the #MandelaLegacy