Social media is heavy with responses today in the wake of the death of former South African President and revolutionary Nelson Mandela. In an incredible life Mandela fought against apartheid, spent 27 years in prison as a result, was freed and became South Africa’s president, won a Nobel Peace Prize, became an important public figure and philanthropist and was ultimately one of the most influential people of the last century.
The enormous impact he had is being reflected in the massive response his death has created on various social media platforms. News of Mandela’s death has had a widespread impact, bringing together reactions ranging from the likes of the UN and the Whitehouse, to Rihanna and Lindsay Lohan, with the hashtag #RIPNelsonMandela now topping the trending list.
No one did more in our time for the values & aspirations of the UN: Ban Ki-moon on #Mandela.
— United Nations (@UN) December 5, 2013
Obama on Mandela: “We have lost one of the most influential, courageous & profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with.”
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 5, 2013
#NelsonMandela you made your people proud!! We’ll always love you for it!
— Rihanna (@rihanna) December 5, 2013
“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” #RIPNelsonMandela
— Lindsay Lohan (@lindsaylohan) December 5, 2013
World leaders have made their contributions too, with Barack Obama and David Cameron both tweeting their responses.
President Obama remembers Nelson Mandela: “A man who took history in his hands and bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice.”
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 5, 2013
A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time. I’ve asked for the flag at No10 to be flown at half mast.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) December 5, 2013
Other responses came from the Spice Girls, Samuel L Jackson, Tyra Banks, Fergie, Richard Branson, Ludacris and Kendrick Lamar. Many have taken the chance to focus on Mandela’s courage, impact and many achievements in their reactions. Some have remarked on how fortunate it was that Mandela managed to live to the age of 95. Quotes from Mandela himself are being widely circulated as well. Read some more responses to Nelson Mandela’s death below.
A freedom fighter. A truly wonderful example to every individual. #RIPNelsonMandela @GeriHalliwell @EmmaBunton pic.twitter.com/VeLFujH3O7
— Spice Girls (@SpiceGirlsNet) December 5, 2013
Advising all my young ones that follow me to research a small piece of Nelson Mandela Life. That’s how you pay your respect…… GO!
— Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) December 5, 2013
Photo tribute to Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid leader and Nobel laureate http://t.co/Y8ZvePfyjB #RIPNelsonMandela
— Flickr (@Flickr) December 6, 2013
Hannah Scholte