Nelson Mandela has died

[PacificDogwood]

RIP

He was the first proper hero of mine

[DoctorTwo]

I never cry when somebody I don't know personally dies. Except now. What a remarkable man.

[FreudiansSlipper]

A great man if not the greatest man in our lifetime

i hope south africa continues the changes he put in place

[saffronwblue]

I am glad he is at peace but I feel so sad. I was in Capetown this year when he was first ill. Words cannot do justice to the impact of this man.

[Hushabyelullaby]

The world is truly a sadder place without him

[ParsingFancy]

Hamba kahle, Madiba.

[BoffinMum]

Pacific, there are files in BBC offices with obituaries and plans for programmes in the case of leading figures dying. It's so some dignity and presence can be brought to the programming. Quite right too, I think.

Rather spookily the day before Diana died I actually read her file in passing while I was waiting for someone.

[Mintyy]

I don't feel sad that he has died. His time had come and he was a very old man. He had a huge impact on the world. What an amazing legacy to leave behind. Am pleased he is suffering no longer. RIP Nelson Mandela.

[QueenofSleep]

When I was in early labour with DS1 I saw an article about Nelson Mandela in a newspaper. I'd been to South Africa on my honeymoon and had read his autobiography - I looked at his picture and thought that if a man can withstand 27 years in prison without bitterness, then I could withstand any pains that labour would bring. I took his picture with me to hospital, and when the pain got really bad I looked at it and he brought me strength. I had a lovely water birth with no pain relief, and he came with me again when I had DS2. It may sound strange but he was the best birth partner! I'm so sad he has gone.

[NearTheWindmill]

He fought for peace for many and deserves now to be at peace. His sacrifices were the world's gift. He deserves to be beatified in my opinion.

[MissBeehiving]

A truly inspirational man. RIP

[MrsBramleyApple]

How ironic that he died on the night of the premier of his life story film. One of his daughter's is there.
My ds2 tells me that NM is "Boss of African's" and "Premier like Cameron!"

[SelectAUserName]

Farewell to a great man.

[Theknacktoflying]

I don't think I have ever experienced such a sense of euphoria and optimism like it when SA went to the polls in 1994. When you think how he single handedly pulled SA from the brink, is still remarkable.

He had such a remarkable grace and presence - we are all poorer today

[Jinsei]

Such very sad news. What a loss, but what a legacy!

[ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged]

I'm wondering how to explain this to pupils at my school tomorrow. Yes, he was a terrorist, yet so loved by so many people.

[bassetfeet]

His spirit of forgiveness. Cant find other words to say. A great man.

[Quangle]

Agree with "pacificdogwood"

I have no connection with South Africa but feel connected with Nelson Mandela as so many do. He's been a great figure in our lives and perhaps there aren't many of those these days. I hope we can help to sustain his legacy somehow.

[Lighthousekeeping]

Well my little nieces have already text me about it will sad faces. No mention of him been a terrorist I doubt it would even be on their radar so I wouldn't worry about it. It's certainly not on mine.

[PacificDogwood]

Boffin, I know, and of course it makes sense to have some suitable footage at the ready.
I suppose it's my reaction I find weird more than anything else...

[NewtRipley]

Just watched the news with my 13 year old. He said "He lived a good life, didn't he?" Says it all really. Truly good man.

[PacificDogwood]

It's the old chestnut of "One person's freedom fighter is another person's terrorist". Or vice versa.
The difference to me is the preparedness for violence.

And this is were the man and public figure is more complex than just the 'first black president'.

I think children can manage complexity.

[snowsjoke]

Wonderful and moving tribute to Mandela (name Nomsu?) from the BBC's South Africa correspondent in the studio....

[caramelwaffle]

RIP

[Lighthousekeeping]

Don't children already know who he is? My nieces learnt about him in primary school.

Just watching Obama. Very moving.

[FunnysInLaJardin]

so so sad. A truly great man. But what a life's achievements.