This release was issued under a previous government.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Nelson Mandela.

“Nelson Mandela was a towering icon, a giant of a man and an enormously inspiring individual who courageously spent his life fighting racism, oppression, and injustice. He used his days walking this earth to bring freedom, equality and human rights to his people, his country and to the world.

“I will always cherish the opportunity I had to work alongside him in the 1990s as part of a team that was steering South Africa out of apartheid, rebuilding its legal system, and leading to its first all-race elections that resulted in Mandela becoming President. I will always remember him as a dignified and kind man with a sparkle in his eye, who used humour to diffuse tense situations.

“He taught me that the best advice comes from people who have been working in the trenches, and that leaders have to sacrifice. I remember his wisdom, his optimism and his patience. He knew that no matter what he had accomplished that there was always another challenge ahead of him and another hill to climb, and that his work was never done until he breathed his last breath.

“Now his work on this earth is complete, and it is a far better place because of him. Rest in peace, Madiba, my friend. And thank you.”