South Africa and Africa’s greatest statesman, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, died last night.

You are invited to pay tribute to his memory by writing your message here on our website or by posting on our Facebook wall: www.facebook.com/northcoastcourier.

You can also Tweet us your tribute to @NC_Courier_News with the hashtag #MadibaTribute.

 In next week’s Courier we will honour the father of our nation by using as many of these messages as possible to create a special tribute from the Dolphin Coast community.  

“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. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.” — Idris Elba, who has the title role in “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.”

“Mandela was one of the great leaders and teachers of the twentieth century. He conceived a model for mortal enemies to overcome their hatred and find a way through compassion to rebuild a nation based on truth, justice and the power of forgiveness. His passing should re-ignite a worldwide effort for peace.” — Paul Simon, whose acclaimed 1986 album “Graceland” was criticized by some for using South African musicians during a time when artists were boycotting the country. Some artists defended Simon and, with Mandela’s approval, he toured South Africa in the 1990s.

“Today the world lost one of the true giants of the past century. 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, who starred as Mandela in “Invictus.”