The world remembers a great revolutionary
Thousands of people from across South Africa and around the world have paid tribute to Walter Sisulu in the last few days. We publish below a selection of the many messages of condolence and tribute that have been received:
Xhamela is no more. His absence has carved a void. A part of me is gone.We shared the joy of living, and the pain. Together we shared ideas, forged common commitments. We walked side by side through the valley of death, nursing each other's bruises, holding each other up when our steps faltered. Together we savoured the taste of freedom. From the moment when we first met he has been my friend, my brother, my keeper, my comrade.
South Africa's beloved friend and statesman of liberation Walter Sisulu has passed out of this life. He was a massive force for enlightenment and freedom and earned his place in the annals of history together with great figures like OR Tambo who pursued the struggle with unflagging determination in the dark and difficult days of apartheid.
Tata Sisulu was among six comrades who led a group of young women and men assembled at the Bantu Men's Social Centre in Johannesburg in September 10, 1944 during the formation of the ANC Youth League. Tata Sisulu was fired up with profound patriotism and love for his oppressed people; as a result, he dedicated his entire life fighting for freedom, as the youth of that time declared, "Freedom in our life time".
In his life and personality, in his easy-going non-racialism, unpretentious humility and passion for justice, Walter Sisulu embodied the core values of the struggle that liberated our country. He also distinguished himself as a promoter and defender of the revolutionary alliance between the national liberation movement, the communist party and the trade union movement. Cde Walter Sisulu must surely rank as one of the greatest unifiers in our movement, a patient listener and a caring revolutionary.
Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
Comrade Walter occupied a special place in the history of our liberation movement and the hearts of millions of South Africans and peace loving people across the World. Comrade Water dedicated his entire life to the struggle for liberation and was prepared to sacrifice everything, even his life, to win that struggle. From the early days, when, as a worker he joined the ANC, through 26 years on Robben Island, to the democratic breakthrough in 1994, he never wavered in his commitment and determination to get rid of the racist apartheid regime and win freedom for all South Africans irrespective of colour or creed.
South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO)
Comrade Sisulu was indeed a giant of our collective history, as the Congress Movement, and the South African people. We duly recognise that he shall be remembered by history for his courage, commitment to higher values and principles, intellect and bravery. The civic movement shall not forget his memory and the life he lived.
South African Council of Churches (SACC)
His was a life of integrity. He was dedicated to his people and their well being. While it maybe that we are saddened by Dr Sisulu's death, we are however called to celebrate a life well lived in terms of discipline and commitment to the course of justice and equality. We thank God for this wonderful and exemplary life which in many ways rose above narrow political interests for the common good of all humanity.
South African Jewish Board of Deputies
Mr Sisulu was a legendary figure in the liberation struggle in South Africa, a man of great courage and integrity who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice for all. He was universally loved, and his memory will be an inspiration for all South Africans, today and in generations to come.
Congress of National Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA)
As South Africans, we been fortunate to have a leader like him, a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom to be tapped by generations present and to come. He was a role model of a husband, a father and proponent of non-racialism and reconciliation.
We give thanks to God for his dedication and commitment and his remarkable humility. We owe a great deal to him an unpayable debt for what he and his family have contributed to our struggle and the establishment of freedom, justice and democracy. We are where we are today because of this great man whose name will forever be blazoned in letters of gold in the annals of our beloved land and mother continent.
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan
The Secretary-General was saddened to learn of the death of Walter Sisulu, one of the heroes of South Africa's anti-apartheid movement. Mr. Sisulu was engaged in the struggle for multi-racial democracy for all his adult life. He was known and loved by people far beyond South Africa's borders for his humility, integrity, intellect and vision.
I am saddened by Sisulu's death, which is not only a great loss to South Africa, but to the entire African continent. Sisulu will be remembered for integrity, foresight and concern for politics of the majority of South Africa. He was also a guiding light from whom many people drew inspiration in the struggle against apartheid and colonialism.
India's High Commissioner Shiv Shankar Mukherjee
On Monday night, South Africa and the world bade farewell to one of the great icons of the liberation struggle, Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu. I still recall feeling [at our first meeting] that I was in the presence of real greatness, a man who had triumphed over near-impossible odds, through unimaginable personal sufferings, and yet retained a total compassion for the poor and those in need.
Mr Sisulu devoted his entire life to the liberation cause of the South African people, and made outstanding contribution to the dismantling of the apartheid system and the birth of the new South Africa. His death is a loss, not only for the ANC and his South African compatriots, but also for the progressive cause of the world.
US Secretary of State Colin Powell
Sisulu's life was dedicated to the establishment of full democratic rule and equality for all South Africans, regardless of race or colour. South Africa has lost a giant, but one whose goals for an inclusive, multiracial, multicultural nation was realised with the end of apartheid rule in 1994.