Nelson Mandela, antiapartheid revolutionary, hero to millions and the leader who unified

Nelson Mandela, antiapartheid revolutionary, hero to millions and the leader who unified a democratic South Africa, died at his home in Johannesburg on Thursday night following a long illness. In a televised address, South African President Jacob Zuma announced the news.

“Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father. Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss,” said Mr. Zuma.

Here’s what some leaders in Southeast Asia had to say about Mr. Mandela:
Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar opposition leader and Nobel Peace laureate, as quoted by Nelson Mandela Foudation: “I would like to express my extreme grief at the passing away of a man who stood for human rights and for equality in this world. He made us all understand that nobody should be penalised for the colour of his skin, for the circumstances into which he is born. He also made us understand that we can change the world — we can change the world by changing attitudes, by changing perceptions. For this reason I would like to pay him tribute as a great human being who raised the standard of humanity.”

Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Marty Natalegawa: “We deeply mourn the passing away of a man of honor and principle; a towering figure against the heinous policy of apartheid whose struggles served as a rallying call the world over against racialism, colonialism and other forms of injustice.”

Source www.wsj.com