The European Union delegation in South Africa captured the mood in a widely shared post on X: “While Mandela rests in peace, his legacy continues to impact and inspire people all over the world. Today, we pay tribute to his life and work. May his legacy continue to guide our actions.”
The French Embassy paid tribute to “an iconic freedom fighter who dedicated his life to the liberation of the South African people,” recalling that Mandela visited Paris just months after his release from prison in 1990. Then-President François Mitterrand welcomed him warmly, and France later became one of the first Western nations to engage the new democratic South Africa.
Russia’s embassy highlighted historic ties between the Soviet Union and the African National Congress, noting that Moscow declared a national day of mourning when Mandela died and President Vladimir Putin sent personal condolences.
Across South Africa, the day was observed with quiet reflection and vibrant celebration. In Qunu, Eastern Cape, hundreds visited the Mandela family gravesite and museum. In Soweto and Cape Town, church services, wreath-laying ceremonies and school assemblies remembered the man affectionately known as Madiba and Tata – father of the nation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a televised address from Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, saying: “Twelve years after his passing, Madiba’s absence is still deeply felt, but his light continues to guide us toward a more just and equal society.”
The African National Congress (ANC), the movement Mandela once led, issued an emotional statement: “His absence is still felt across our land because Madiba represented the finest traditions of our movement – courage rooted in principle, humility born in struggle, and unshakable devotion to serve the people.”
The Nelson Mandela Foundation announced that more than 10,000 runners and walkers will take part in Sunday’s annual Madiba Walk & Run in Pretoria. Foundation CEO Mbongiseni Buthelezi said in a video message: “It is an honour to stand here and say thank you to Madiba for the inspiration he continues to provide for so many of us, in South Africa and around the world.”
Born on 18 July 1918 in the village of Mvezo, Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his role in the armed struggle against apartheid. Released on 11 February 1990, he led negotiations that peacefully dismantled white minority rule and steered South Africa to its first fully representative elections in 1994. As president from 1994 to 1999, he established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, promoted national unity and laid the foundations for a constitutional democracy.
His decision to embrace former oppressors – wearing the Springbok rugby jersey at the 1995 World Cup final, inviting his Robben Island jailer to his inauguration, and having tea with the widow of apartheid architect Hendrik Verwoerd – became global symbols of forgiveness and nation-building.
Yet many South Africans used the anniversary to reflect on unfinished business. With youth unemployment above 45 percent, persistent racial inequality and recent waves of xenophobic violence, speakers repeatedly asked whether the country is living up to Mandela’s vision. Trade union leader Zwelinzima Vavi told a memorial event in Cape Town: “We dare not allow Madiba’s legacy to be betrayed by corruption, division or indifference.”
Schools nationwide held special assemblies, and television channels broadcast classic footage – Mandela walking free from Victor Verster Prison, casting his vote in 1994, lighting the flame at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and dancing on stage at his 90th birthday concert.
On social media, #Madiba12Years trended throughout the day, with users sharing personal stories, favourite quotes and photographs. One widely circulated post read simply: “He taught us to hate apartheid, not people. Let us never forget that lesson.”
As the sun set over the Union Buildings in Pretoria – where Mandela was inaugurated in 1994 – a lone trumpeter played the national anthem while thousands stood in silence, heads bowed, remembering the man who once said: “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin… People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.”
Twelve years after his death on 5 December 2013, Nelson Mandela’s message of courage, compassion and unity continues to echo across South Africa and the world.
