Mandela: Flag at half mast in South African High Commision

Abuja - The South African flag was at half mast
on Friday at the High Commission of South Africa,
as hundreds of people mourn the death freedom
fighter, Nelson Mandela.
A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria,
who visited the high commission reports that a
condolence register was opened at noon. The high
commission was located at 71 Usuma St.,
Maitama, Abuja,
NAN reports that hundreds of people, including
members of non-governmental organisations,
queued to sign the register.
In a condolence message, Dr Nkosazana
Dlamini-Zuma, the African Union Commission
Chairperson, described Mandela, the first black
South African President, as a symbol of pan-
africanism.
The condolence message was made available to
newsmen at the high commission.
"Mandela has fought a good fight and bowed out
with great reverence. His passing on is a great
loss to his family, our continent and indeed to
humanity. At this time of sorrow, our hearts are
with his widow, Graca Machel, his ex-wife, Winnie
Madikizela-Mandela, his children, grand and
great-grandchildren and the people of South
Africa and Africa. Tata Madiba Mandela will
forever be missed,“ she said.
She urged Africa to continually honour Mandela.
NAN reports that the revered statesman and
Nobel Peace Prize winner died peacefully in his
home in Houghton in northern Johannesburg
before 9p.m. on Thursday.
President Jacob Zuma announced his passing to
the nation and the world.Mandela was born on
July 18, 1918. He was an anti-apartheid
revolutionist, a politician and philanthropist.
He served as President of South Africa from 1994
to 1999, and was the first South African president
to emerge through a fully representative election.