Today, we woke up to the realization that a giant of a leader, President Nelson Mandela has fallen. PresidentMandela was not only an icon and hero of the people of South Africa, butinspired millions across the globe.

President Nelson Mandela belonged to a special generation of our people, who stood ready to pay the ultimate price in the struggle for a free and democratic South Africa. 

As members of theAfrican National Congress - the organisation Madiba so dearly loved and served-  we are deeply honoured and privileged to have had a leader of his stature, a true symbol of peace, unity and reconciliation.

I, together with theDepartment of Home Affairs staff, join millions of our people in expressing ourheartfelt condolences to the entire Mandela family.

Issued Department ofHome Affairs, 909 Arcadia Street, Pretoria, 0001, 6 December 2013.

Lunga Ngqengelele, Home Affairs, 082 566 0446