1. "Through his fierce dignity and unbending will to sacrifice his own freedom for the freedom of others, he transformed South Africa and moved all of us," Obama said in a televised White House address.
2. "A great light has gone out in the world." - British Prime Minister David Cameron
3. "Nelson Mandela was a towering figure in our time; a legend in life and now in death - a true global hero" - British Prime Minister David Cameron
4. "Many around the world were greatly influenced by his selfless struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom." - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
5. "He touched our lives in deeply personal ways." - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
6. "With Nelson Mandela, the father of South Africa has died, the driving force for freedom and for reconciliation." - French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius
7. "Go home Madiba, you have selflessly done all that is good, noble and honourable for God's people." - Cape Town Archbishop Thabo Makgoba
8. "As president, I watched in wonder as Nelson Mandela had the remarkable capacity to forgive his jailers following 26 years of wrongful imprisonment - setting a powerful example of redemption and grace for us all." - Former US president George HW Bush
9. "The father of his nation, Nelson Mandela devoted much of his work to children." - UNICEF
10. "He showed that human will could not only break the chains of servitude but free the energy to succeed in building a common destiny." - French President Francois Hollande
11. "Mandela's message will never die. It will continue to inspire freedom fighters and give confidence to people who defend just causes and universal rights." - French President Francois Hollande
12. "While it is a sad day for South Africans and the world with the passing of our beloved Madiba, we must also take a moment to celebrate his remarkable life and thank Nelson Mandela for his leadership in the fight against AIDS in South Africa and around the globe." - Hilary Thulare, Country Program Manager in South Africa for AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
13. "As a world leader who refused to accept injustice, Nelson Mandela's courage helped change our entire world" - secretary general Salil Shetty, Amnesty International
14. "We call on our fellow young South Africans to live up to the revolutionary ethos of Madiba, who in his life realised the freedom he and his generation fought for." - ANCYL
15. "He has left a legacy that will benefit and inspire generations to come. He set an example for the rest of the world and created history on his journey through life." - Witwatersrand vice chancellor Prof Adam Habib
16. "You were of us, but you belonged to the world. You lived amongst us now, but your legacy will inspire for eternity. Hamba Kahle Tata, you are in our hearts." - Witwatersrand vice chancellor Prof Adam Habib
17. "We must celebrate his humility, his principles, his commitment to justice, peace and freedom during this time and we must never forget the values which he fought so hard [for], which he was prepared to die [for]." - Witwatersrand vice chancellor Prof Adam Habib
18. "Cadre Nelson Mandela, as a political leader, was indeed a man of highest integrity and intellectual capacity." provincial secretary Joy Matshoge
19. "The 5FM family pays tribute to a man who encompasses everything the youth of our nation represents." the radio station said
20. "The example of this great leader will guide all those who fight for social justice and peace in the world." - Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff
21. Nelson Mandela embodied and reflected our collective greatness. He embodied our hopes and our dreams. He symbolised our enormous potential, potential that has not always been fulfilled." - Desmond Tutu
22. Nigeria's president Goodluck Jonathan described Mandela "as a source of inspiration to the oppressed peoples all over the world."
23. "Despite his long years of captivity, Mr Mandela left prison with a heart closed to calls for a settling of scores. Instead, he was filled by a longing for truth and reconciliation, and for an understanding between all peoples." - Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper
24. "In death, you once more challenge people from every strata, religion, and position to think about how their own actions do and can change the world for better or worse." - Anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada
25. "Today the world lost one of the true giants of the past century." said Morgan Freeman
26. "Nelson Mandela was a man of incomparable honor, unconquerable strength, and unyielding resolve---a saint to many, a hero to all who treasure liberty, freedom and the dignity of humankind." - Morgan Freeman
27. "What an honor it was to step into the shoes of Nelson Mandela and portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers, and championed human rights before the eyes of the world." - Idris Elba
28. "Although we were political opponents, and although our relationship was often stormy, we were always able to come together at critical moments to resolve the many crises that arose during the negotiation process." - FW de Klerk
29. "We were just reminded of what an extraordinary and inspiring man Nelson Mandela was and my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family right now." - Prince William said immediately after attending the London premiere of a film celebrating the life Mandela
30. "As we mourn his loss, and celebrate his life and his achievements, let us dedicate ourselves to the kind of selfless service which he exemplified." - Agang SA leader Mamphela Ramphele
31. "For the greater part of his life he was a beacon of the struggle. In his later years he became the symbol of hope. In death he stands confirmed as the embodiment of humanity's hope for the future." - Walter Sisulu. Sisulu, who with Mandela wrote tributes to each other before their respective deaths
32. " God gave South Africa a... Moses to lead and liberate his people from apartheid and oppression." - Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele
33. "We should not weep for Madiba. Knowing Madiba, as some of us knew him, he would certainly not approve of us doing so. I suggest we rather celebrate his life, a life well lived and lived with a purpose." - Andrew Mlangeni, a comrade of Nelson Mandela who spent more than two decades in jail with Mandela.
34. "Madiba's spirit has not died because the ideals and dreams he sacrificed his life for can never die." - Andrew Mlangeni, a comrade of Nelson Mandela who spent more than two decades in jail with Mandela.
35. "It remains our collective moral responsibility to live the legacy of Tata Nelson Mandela," - Robben Island Museum CEO Sibongiseni Mkhize
36. "It was such a blessing seeing the thousands of people coming to pay their respects to Tata." - A neighbour living a street away from Nelson Mandela's former residence in Vilakazi Street in Orlando West, Soweto
37. "The way he lived his life and what he did should also convey the message to each and every one of us that as individuals, we have power." - Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan
38. "He may not be physically with us, but let us not make a mistake and think he is not with us." - Desmond Tutu
39. "Madiba was the easiest person to work with, the best teacher, a mentor." - Nelson Mandela's long-time private assistant and "honorary granddaughter" Zelda la Grange
40. "My sacrifice is something I missed maybe as a result of working so hard. (It) can never be compared to what Mandela gave." - Nelson Mandela's long-time private assistant and "honorary granddaughter" Zelda la Grange
41. "Mandela was a great mentor. He is like Mahatma Ghandi, he is a reconciliator." - Businessman Stephen Salmon from Cresta, Randburg
42. "How do you pay back a man like Madiba, no amount of money can pay his love for his people. I had to be here to pay my respects and thank Tata for what he had done for us." - Tshepo Moeketsi from Magaliesburg
43. "We who have been around him from a young age, we have really benefited a lot from him." - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa
44. "I'm still very deeply emotional, because the passing on of Mandela is like the passing on of an era." - Justice Minister Jeff Radebe
45. "The legacy of Mandela is to have brought the country together... South Africa can be one of the success stories of the 21st century." - British Prime Minister David Cameron
46."It is a sad day, but also a happy day. There are many joyful tears." - Lize Coetzee, 42, from Bela Bela in Limpopo
47. "It is important to acknowledge the work he has done to create the cohesion of a single South Africa." - Zolile Jeme, 49, from Germiston
48. "It is hard to eulogise any man... How much harder to do so for a giant of history, who moved a nation toward justice, and in the process moved billions around the world." - US president Barak Obama
49. "His struggle was your struggle. His triumph was your triumph. Your dignity and your hope found expression in his life and your freedom and democracy is his cherished legacy." - US president Barak Obama
50. "He changed laws, but he also changed hearts.... It was precisely because he could admit to imperfection, because he was so full of good humour, even mischief, despite the heavy burdens that he carried, that we loved him so." - US president Barak Obama
51. "We wish today to express two simple words. Thank you. Thank you for being everything we needed and wanted in a leader during a difficult period in our lives." - Jacob Zuma
52. "As your journey ends today, ours must continue in earnest. One thing we can assure you of today Tata is, as you take your final steps, is that South Africa will continue to rise." - Jacob Zuma
53. "We pledge to take your vision forward for good schools, hospitals, quality housing, utilities, decent jobs and working conditions as well as efficient and accountable public service." - Jacob Zuma
54. "The first time I was privileged to meet president Mandela was during his visit to Malawi... shortly after he was released from prison. I was amazed by his humility and his great sense of leadership... Mandela's character has shaped my life." - Malawian president Joyce Banda
55. "I join you, people of this rainbow nation, to celebrate a life of one of Africa's greatest leaders.' - Malawian president Joyce Banda
56. "This moment is even more poignant for Africa... Mandela's life had been [full of the] trials and tribulations [facing the] entire continent. His life was a struggle against unparalleled odds... a life of perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges..." - Prime Minister and African Union chairman Hailemariam Desalegn
57. "As a true leader of authentic personification of the ANC, Mandela's life represented what was promising about the continent's future, if we fight injustice..." - Prime Minister and African Union chairman Hailemariam Desalegn
58. "If we remain committed to the ideals of justice, liberation and above all the sanctity of human dignity, we can ultimately prevail over evil, no matter how stacked the odds are against us." - Prime Minister and African Union chairman Hailemariam Desalegn
59. "What we are doing today is not so much mourning the passing of an icon...[but] as a celebration of humanity at its finest." - Prime Minister and African Union chairman Hailemariam Desalegn
60. "We should all count ourselves lucky to draw a lesson or two from the life of this towering figure." - Prime Minister and African Union chairman Hailemariam Desalegn
61. "Yet, it was also through Mandela that the world would learn the spirit of endurance, the triumph of forgiveness and the beauty of reconciliation. Indeed, the story of Nelson Mandela is so much the story of South Africa." - Ndaba Mandela
62. "It is through Mandela that the world cast its eyes on South Africa and took notice of the severe and organised repression of black South Africans." - Ndaba Mandela
63. "The world icon worked tirelessly even after the achievement of democracy in South Africa to continue improving lives," - Ndaba Mandela
64. "Even as he retired from politics, his attention shifted to social issues such as HIV and Aids and the well-being of the nation's children." - Ndaba Mandela
65. “Nelson Mandela was more than one of the greatest leaders of our time – he was a teacher, and he taught and practised by example,” - UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon.
66. "Not only was he a great champion of the emancipation of the oppressed, but he also was a humble and compassionate leader who showed selfless dedication to the service of his people." - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe
67. "This great son of the world, Madiba, showed us the way. Whether you are white, black yellow or brown you are all God’s children, come together, work together and God will show you the way." - former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda
67 Quotes: What the world said about Madiba during 10 days of mourning
1. "Through his fierce dignity and unbending will to sacrifice his own freedom for the freedom of others, he transformed South Africa and moved all of us," Obama said in a televised White House address.
2. "A great light has gone out in the world." - British Prime Minister David Cameron
3. "Nelson Mandela was a towering figure in our time; a legend in life and now in death - a true global hero" - British Prime Minister David Cameron
4. "Many around the world were greatly influenced by his selfless struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom." - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
5. "He touched our lives in deeply personal ways." - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
6. "With Nelson Mandela, the father of South Africa has died, the driving force for freedom and for reconciliation." - French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius
7. "Go home Madiba, you have selflessly done all that is good, noble and honourable for God's people." - Cape Town Archbishop Thabo Makgoba
8. "As president, I watched in wonder as Nelson Mandela had the remarkable capacity to forgive his jailers following 26 years of wrongful imprisonment - setting a powerful example of redemption and grace for us all." - Former US president George HW Bush
9. "The father of his nation, Nelson Mandela devoted much of his work to children." - UNICEF
10. "He showed that human will could not only break the chains of servitude but free the energy to succeed in building a common destiny." - French President Francois Hollande
11. "Mandela's message will never die. It will continue to inspire freedom fighters and give confidence to people who defend just causes and universal rights." - French President Francois Hollande
12. "While it is a sad day for South Africans and the world with the passing of our beloved Madiba, we must also take a moment to celebrate his remarkable life and thank Nelson Mandela for his leadership in the fight against AIDS in South Africa and around the globe." - Hilary Thulare, Country Program Manager in South Africa for AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
13. "As a world leader who refused to accept injustice, Nelson Mandela's courage helped change our entire world" - secretary general Salil Shetty, Amnesty International
14. "We call on our fellow young South Africans to live up to the revolutionary ethos of Madiba, who in his life realised the freedom he and his generation fought for." - ANCYL
15. "He has left a legacy that will benefit and inspire generations to come. He set an example for the rest of the world and created history on his journey through life." - Witwatersrand vice chancellor Prof Adam Habib
16. "You were of us, but you belonged to the world. You lived amongst us now, but your legacy will inspire for eternity. Hamba Kahle Tata, you are in our hearts." - Witwatersrand vice chancellor Prof Adam Habib
17. "We must celebrate his humility, his principles, his commitment to justice, peace and freedom during this time and we must never forget the values which he fought so hard [for], which he was prepared to die [for]." - Witwatersrand vice chancellor Prof Adam Habib
18. "Cadre Nelson Mandela, as a political leader, was indeed a man of highest integrity and intellectual capacity." provincial secretary Joy Matshoge
19. "The 5FM family pays tribute to a man who encompasses everything the youth of our nation represents." the radio station said
20. "The example of this great leader will guide all those who fight for social justice and peace in the world." - Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff
21. Nelson Mandela embodied and reflected our collective greatness. He embodied our hopes and our dreams. He symbolised our enormous potential, potential that has not always been fulfilled." - Desmond Tutu
22. Nigeria's president Goodluck Jonathan described Mandela "as a source of inspiration to the oppressed peoples all over the world."
23. "Despite his long years of captivity, Mr Mandela left prison with a heart closed to calls for a settling of scores. Instead, he was filled by a longing for truth and reconciliation, and for an understanding between all peoples." - Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper
24. "In death, you once more challenge people from every strata, religion, and position to think about how their own actions do and can change the world for better or worse." - Anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada
25. "Today the world lost one of the true giants of the past century." said Morgan Freeman
26. "Nelson Mandela was a man of incomparable honor, unconquerable strength, and unyielding resolve---a saint to many, a hero to all who treasure liberty, freedom and the dignity of humankind." - Morgan Freeman
27. "What an honor it was to step into the shoes of Nelson Mandela and portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers, and championed human rights before the eyes of the world." - Idris Elba
28. "Although we were political opponents, and although our relationship was often stormy, we were always able to come together at critical moments to resolve the many crises that arose during the negotiation process." - FW de Klerk
29. "We were just reminded of what an extraordinary and inspiring man Nelson Mandela was and my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family right now." - Prince William said immediately after attending the London premiere of a film celebrating the life Mandela
30. "As we mourn his loss, and celebrate his life and his achievements, let us dedicate ourselves to the kind of selfless service which he exemplified." - Agang SA leader Mamphela Ramphele
31. "For the greater part of his life he was a beacon of the struggle. In his later years he became the symbol of hope. In death he stands confirmed as the embodiment of humanity's hope for the future." - Walter Sisulu. Sisulu, who with Mandela wrote tributes to each other before their respective deaths
32. " God gave South Africa a... Moses to lead and liberate his people from apartheid and oppression." - Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele
33. "We should not weep for Madiba. Knowing Madiba, as some of us knew him, he would certainly not approve of us doing so. I suggest we rather celebrate his life, a life well lived and lived with a purpose." - Andrew Mlangeni, a comrade of Nelson Mandela who spent more than two decades in jail with Mandela.
34. "Madiba's spirit has not died because the ideals and dreams he sacrificed his life for can never die." - Andrew Mlangeni, a comrade of Nelson Mandela who spent more than two decades in jail with Mandela.
35. "It remains our collective moral responsibility to live the legacy of Tata Nelson Mandela," - Robben Island Museum CEO Sibongiseni Mkhize
36. "It was such a blessing seeing the thousands of people coming to pay their respects to Tata." - A neighbour living a street away from Nelson Mandela's former residence in Vilakazi Street in Orlando West, Soweto
37. "The way he lived his life and what he did should also convey the message to each and every one of us that as individuals, we have power." - Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan
38. "He may not be physically with us, but let us not make a mistake and think he is not with us." - Desmond Tutu
39. "Madiba was the easiest person to work with, the best teacher, a mentor." - Nelson Mandela's long-time private assistant and "honorary granddaughter" Zelda la Grange
40. "My sacrifice is something I missed maybe as a result of working so hard. (It) can never be compared to what Mandela gave." - Nelson Mandela's long-time private assistant and "honorary granddaughter" Zelda la Grange
41. "Mandela was a great mentor. He is like Mahatma Ghandi, he is a reconciliator." - Businessman Stephen Salmon from Cresta, Randburg
42. "How do you pay back a man like Madiba, no amount of money can pay his love for his people. I had to be here to pay my respects and thank Tata for what he had done for us." - Tshepo Moeketsi from Magaliesburg
43. "We who have been around him from a young age, we have really benefited a lot from him." - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa
44. "I'm still very deeply emotional, because the passing on of Mandela is like the passing on of an era." - Justice Minister Jeff Radebe
45. "The legacy of Mandela is to have brought the country together... South Africa can be one of the success stories of the 21st century." - British Prime Minister David Cameron
46."It is a sad day, but also a happy day. There are many joyful tears." - Lize Coetzee, 42, from Bela Bela in Limpopo
47. "It is important to acknowledge the work he has done to create the cohesion of a single South Africa." - Zolile Jeme, 49, from Germiston
48. "It is hard to eulogise any man... How much harder to do so for a giant of history, who moved a nation toward justice, and in the process moved billions around the world." - US president Barak Obama
49. "His struggle was your struggle. His triumph was your triumph. Your dignity and your hope found expression in his life and your freedom and democracy is his cherished legacy." - US president Barak Obama
50. "He changed laws, but he also changed hearts.... It was precisely because he could admit to imperfection, because he was so full of good humour, even mischief, despite the heavy burdens that he carried, that we loved him so." - US president Barak Obama
51. "We wish today to express two simple words. Thank you. Thank you for being everything we needed and wanted in a leader during a difficult period in our lives." - Jacob Zuma
52. "As your journey ends today, ours must continue in earnest. One thing we can assure you of today Tata is, as you take your final steps, is that South Africa will continue to rise." - Jacob Zuma
53. "We pledge to take your vision forward for good schools, hospitals, quality housing, utilities, decent jobs and working conditions as well as efficient and accountable public service." - Jacob Zuma
54. "The first time I was privileged to meet president Mandela was during his visit to Malawi... shortly after he was released from prison. I was amazed by his humility and his great sense of leadership... Mandela's character has shaped my life." - Malawian president Joyce Banda
55. "I join you, people of this rainbow nation, to celebrate a life of one of Africa's greatest leaders.' - Malawian president Joyce Banda
56. "This moment is even more poignant for Africa... Mandela's life had been [full of the] trials and tribulations [facing the] entire continent. His life was a struggle against unparalleled odds... a life of perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges..." - Prime Minister and African Union chairman Hailemariam Desalegn
57. "As a true leader of authentic personification of the ANC, Mandela's life represented what was promising about the continent's future, if we fight injustice..." - Prime Minister and African Union chairman Hailemariam Desalegn
58. "If we remain committed to the ideals of justice, liberation and above all the sanctity of human dignity, we can ultimately prevail over evil, no matter how stacked the odds are against us." - Prime Minister and African Union chairman Hailemariam Desalegn
59. "What we are doing today is not so much mourning the passing of an icon...[but] as a celebration of humanity at its finest." - Prime Minister and African Union chairman Hailemariam Desalegn
60. "We should all count ourselves lucky to draw a lesson or two from the life of this towering figure." - Prime Minister and African Union chairman Hailemariam Desalegn
61. "Yet, it was also through Mandela that the world would learn the spirit of endurance, the triumph of forgiveness and the beauty of reconciliation. Indeed, the story of Nelson Mandela is so much the story of South Africa." - Ndaba Mandela
62. "It is through Mandela that the world cast its eyes on South Africa and took notice of the severe and organised repression of black South Africans." - Ndaba Mandela
63. "The world icon worked tirelessly even after the achievement of democracy in South Africa to continue improving lives," - Ndaba Mandela
64. "Even as he retired from politics, his attention shifted to social issues such as HIV and Aids and the well-being of the nation's children." - Ndaba Mandela
65. “Nelson Mandela was more than one of the greatest leaders of our time – he was a teacher, and he taught and practised by example,” - UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon.
66. "Not only was he a great champion of the emancipation of the oppressed, but he also was a humble and compassionate leader who showed selfless dedication to the service of his people." - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe
67. "This great son of the world, Madiba, showed us the way. Whether you are white, black yellow or brown you are all God’s children, come together, work together and God will show you the way." - former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda
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