South Africa’s first democratically-elected president, Nelson Mandela, died at his home at the age of 95.
According to president Jacob Zuma Mandela he passed away peacefully last Thursday night.
As the world mourns, the community of Diepkloof sends their condolences to the Mandela family.
Thulani Phokojoe said that Mandela was an inspiration to the nation.
“He was a leader, father figure, humble and he played a huge part in uniting South Africa.
“I remember when he was released from jail and I was young that time. He said that we should go to school because education will mean everything in the future.
“Mandela had a vision and I am sure that if he was younger when he was released in jail, we would not have so many problems in South Africa,” he said.
Phokoloe said that the world has lost a leader and that he will be missed.
Charles Ngomezulu from Zone 1 said that the nation has lost a father.
“He brought peace to South Africa, losing him is like losing a father. We have lost the head of the family and it makes me sad because a household without a father figure is doomed,” he said.
Naledi Motshoane said that no one can replace Mandela.
“He was the father of the nation and there is no-one like him. He showed us the meaning of peace and forgiveness when he was released from jail. I don’t think that anyone else would have forgiven as easily as Mandela did,” she said.
Sibongile Tshabalala said that the news that Mandela had passed away came as a shock.
“It is very painful to lose someone like Mandela. I am worried that now that he is gone all his good work will be lost,” she said.
