Nelson Mandela: forever in our hearts

There has been an outpouring of emotion across the world following the death of former President Nelson Mandela. Social media has become an outlet for many South Africans to express their grief and celebrate Madiba’s life and legacy. Here are some of the messages posted on social media platforms.

His courage, devotion and loyalty to his people and nation is an inspiration to all those who love freedom. My heartfelt sympathy and condolences on this immense loss, which is felt by his family and the nation. May his soul rest in peace. - Thandeka Damoied

A great man has passed. Let us remember his message! My thoughts go out to his family and all the people of South Africa! - Rob Westgeest

We all knew that it was inevitable but it’s still sad. The biggest legend ever! Thank you. RIP our Madiba. Naming any road, monument or airport after Madiba just doesn’t do the man justice. South Africa should be renamed Nelson Mandela. - Hodren Naidoo

One of the greatest persons who ever lived is gone now... RIP Mr Mandela... You will be missed by the whole world. - Wouter Helmig

Thank you Madiba. Thank you for being the light that illuminated our steps in the middle of the fog in order to achieve the precious freedom. - Emdadul Haque Masum

RIP Madiba! May you look down upon us from the heavens above and continue to drive the spirit of our proud nation. - Yoshlin Francis

RIP Madiba. We will always remember what you did for us and our country. You will forever be in our hearts. - Sarah Jane Jansen

Never again will any single human being touch the hearts, inspire the minds and change the lives of an entire nation. You will live on forever and the country you fought so hard for will one day become worth your great sacrifice. - Thanusha Naidu

Hamba kahle Tata. You were really blessed and sent to free and unite the nation. You left us with the questions and tasks we need to carry out and fulfil. Go well our true, fine leader. - Masilo Tsotetsi

I am a product of not only what Nelson Mandela fought for but of what many others that gave their lives for - I am South African! - Angus McNamara

Lala ngoxolo Madiba. We will miss you. We will be forever grateful for what you did for us and our country. You inspired me to be involved in the struggle from an early age and that shaped my life and the values that I hold dearly today of respect for human dignity and freedom. Your legacy and spirit will never die. Viva Mandela, viva. - Mbulelo Bungane

Nelson Mandela: forever in our hearts Thank you Madiba for everything that you did for our beautiful country. South Africa may have lost its favourite son today but your humility, forgiveness, selflessness, caring and your beautiful smile will live on in the hearts of all South Africans always. We are truly grateful for the sacrifice you made to give us freedom and for your leadership during the dawn of our democracy. Condolences to the Mandela family. Hamba kahle Tata. We salute you. - Deereshan Naidu

Siyabonga. Thank you for Madiba's life. Myself, Thembinkosi, my wife May, and children Awande, Happy, Sibonelo, Buthulwazi, Zwelethu feel proud to be South Africans and Africans. He taught the world Ubuntu. Salute! Amandla!! Hamba kahle!! - Mo Buthelezi

My heart is broken and my eyes are wet... Today I am crying for a man who changed a country and made this world a better place. His soul now is definitely as free as an eagle... Fly high Madiba. - Eduardo Mereu

God bless his family. RIP Nelson Mandela. My five-year-old son will one day be told who you were and what you did!!! You will be missed!! - Cindy de Hommel

Nothing comes from nothing. Mr Mandela was the true example of this statement. I admire him for his struggle on his road to freedom. He has finally reached that destination. - Frans Labberton

Wow!! I didn't think I would be so emotional. How do you explain Mandela to a five-year-old? The only explanation I could think of was Moses from the Bible. God saw the suffering of his people and raised him up as their deliverer! Tata, we celebrate your life, your spirit and we stand very grateful to God Almighty for giving you the strength to do what was deemed impossible. Rest in peace. - Wezi Mashinini

The day Nelson Mandela walked out of Robben Island will stay in my mind forever. A big day for SA and for the world…Rest in peace Mr Mandela. - Bas Brugman

A legend, hero, father and grandfather but he received a call and followed the instructions from God. He’s watching us crying but he’s happy where he is because he’s with the angels. May his soul RIP.....Long live a legend. Amandla ngawethu. - Andy Tolokazi Tokwe

I hope his memory will always be our country’s compass. - Mari du Preez