SOUTH African president Jacob Zuma told the world that Nelson Mandela "has departed".
Here is part of his address:
"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.
"His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world. His humility, his compassion, and his humanity earned him their love.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mandela family. To them we owe a debt of gratitude.
"What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves. And in him we saw so much of ourselves.
"Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together, and it is together that we will bid him farewell.
"As we gather, wherever we are, let us recall the values for which Madiba fought.
"Let us reaffirm his vision of a society in which none is exploited, oppressed or dispossessed by another.
"Let us commit ourselves to strive together to build a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa.
"This is indeed the moment of our deepest sorrow.
"Yet it must also be the moment of our greatest determination.
"A determination to live as Madiba has lived, to strive as Madiba has strived and to not rest until we have realised his vision of a truly united South Africa, a peaceful and prosperous Africa, and a better world. We will always love you, Madiba!
"May your soul rest in peace."
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