Neighbor of Ohio girl found dead in trash arrested

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A 9-year-old Ohio girl last seen playing in the mobile home park where she lived was found dead in a nearby trash bin after a frantic search, and police on Sunday arrested a neighbor they've described as a family friend in the killing.
 
Jerrod Metsker, 24, was arrested at his home on a murder charge about 12 hours after deputies found the body of Reann Murphy near her home in Smithville, about 30 miles southwest of Akron, Wayne County Sheriff Travis Hutchinson said at a news conference.
 
It was not immediately clear whether Metsker had an attorney. His first court appearance is scheduled Monday morning.
 
Reann was last seen Saturday night playing outside in a shared area at the mobile home park. She was reported missing after 8 p.m. and officers, firefighters and neighbors joined in the search for Reann, going door-to-door and combing area properties. Her body was found around 1:35 a.m. Sunday, Hutchinson said.
 
Hutchinson wouldn't say how Reann was killed or offer a motive.
 
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family," Wayne County Prosecutor Dan Lutz said at the news conference. "It's a horrific incident to take place at any time, especially during the holidays."
 
Metsker was arrested at his home after he ignored knocks on his front door and deputies obtained a key from a family member, Hutchinson said.
 
"All she did was love people," Reann's father, Richard Murphy, told The Daily Record in Wooster. He said that he wanted the "worst for the guy" who killed his daughter and declined to comment further.
 
A woman who answered the phone at a number listed for Murphy hung up on the Associated Press.
 
Marilyn Briggs, who lives in a house next to the mobile home park, said she didn't know the little girl or her family but was shaken by the killing.
 
"It sickens me and I'm so sad for the family, and this close to Christmas," Briggs said. "It's just awful. You never think something like that is going to happen in your area."
 
Briggs described the park as a bit run-down but generally safe and added that she wasn't aware of any serious crimes in the area in the eight years she's lived there.

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Nelson Mandela’s Final Walk to Freedom

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The remains of former South African President Nelson Mandela arrived in his ancestral home of Qunu in the Eastern Cape region Saturday, in the final leg of its journey. Large numbers of people lined the roads to pay their respects as the cortege passed by in the rural region.
A state funeral will be held today for the former president, who died on December 5 in his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, at the age of 95.
 
The South African National Defence Force said on Friday that preparations for the state funeral were proceeding well. “Everything is on track in terms of arrangements for the funeral,” spokesperson Lieutenant t-General Xolani Mabangu was quoted as saying.
At least 100,000 people saw Mandela’s body lying in state in Pretoria over three days, from December 11 – 13, but some had to be turned away.
 
The coffin, drabbed in a South African flag, was flown from Waterkloof airbase in Pretoria on a C130 military aircraft, escorted by two fighter jets. In line with tribal custom, Mandela's grandson, Mandla, accompanied him on the journey, speaking to his coffin to tell him he was on his way home to rest.
 
It arrived in Mthatha, 700 kilometres (450 miles) away, at 13:37 local (11:37 GMT).
The coffin was moved by a military guard of honour and placed in a hearse to begin a 32-kilometre journey to Qunu, Mandela’s childhood home, where he had said he wanted to be buried.
 
People waving flags and cheering and singing, lined the route taken by the cortege through Mthatha town to pay their last respects, in a moment that brought tears as well as smiles on the faces of many.
 
The cortege drove through the gates of the Mandela homestead in Qunu, where it was expected to rest overnight in the grounds of the royal house of Thembu. His funeral will be conducted according to the traditions of his native Xhosa people.
 
The Thembu community will conduct a traditional ceremony – including songs and poems about Mandela’s life and his achievements – in a giant white marquee that has been specially erected.
Some 4,000 people, including presidents from Africa, several prime ministers, the Iranian vice-president, and the Prince of Wales, are expected to attend the funeral. At least 26 foreign government leaders would be at the burial.
 
However, Archbishop Desmond Tutu – a long-time friend of Mandela – cancelled arrangements to fly to the Eastern Cape for the funeral after saying he had not been invited.
Tutu said he had no wish to “gatecrash what was billed as a private family funeral.” But the South African government – which Tutu had criticised – later said the churchman had been invited.
 
“This is not an event where you need credentials and I hope a solution can be found,” said government spokesman Mac Maharaj. “He’s an important person and I hope ways can be found for him to be there.”
 
Ahead of the flight to the Eastern Cape, members of the African National Congress, which Mandela once led, paid final tributes to him at a ceremony in Pretoria. President Jacob Zuma, other ANC leaders and more than 1,000 members of the organisation attended the event at the Waterkloof air base. Among them were Mandela’s family members, his ex-wife, Winnie, and his widow, Graca.
 
It included a multi-faith service and a musical tribute.
Mourners heard President Zuma pay his own tribute to Mandela, calling him a “towering figure”, “a man of action” and a “democrat who understood the world.”
“Yes, we will miss him… He was our father, he was our guardian. He was something special.
“We'll always keep you in our hearts,” Zuma said.

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Nelson Mandela to be buried in portions to give everyone a chance to attend funeral

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Nelson Mandela is to be buried in 365 separate "portions" to enable well wishers to each have a chance to attend his sell-out funerals. Advertising slots for the year long T.V. funeral coverage have been fully booked since before he died. Merchandising rights still owned by Winifred Mandula have grossed 500 billion dollars.
 
In case viewers think the funeral episodes are repeats, the word repeat will be subliminally flashed on genuine repeat programs. All normal T.V. programs have been cancelled for a year. Opportunistic "C" list celebrities may book camera time for laying flowers and weeping. Conspiracy theorists and ghost writers have been issued with a special 24 hour number to call.
 

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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EgyptAir, Foundation to Treat Children with Cancer

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Egypt Air said it has entered into partnership with the Help to Heal Foundation(HFF), to promote better treatment for children living with the cancer.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos,  EgyptAir General Manager, Mr. Khaled El Rafie, said the airline has remained a longstanding sponsor of a similar project in Egypt which has a world-class hospital known as 57357 that is specially established to treat children with cancer.
 
As part of the agreement to support the initiative in Nigeria, he said the Cairo based airline has accepted to work with the  HHF to choose an existing hospital in Nigeria in an effort to upgrade its infrastructure mainly in the Pediatric Cancer Section.
He  said that the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has been chosen for the exercise, adding that it has entered into a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Head of the Pediatric section of the hospital Prof. Adebola Akinsule, who would represent the health institution, to offer professional advice and help drive the process. 
“We have already agreed with  Akinsule  that we will upgrade the Cancer Section and invest to buy some missing materials which are urgently needed,” he said.
 
Meanwhile as part of activities to help raise donations for the  HFF, the airline said it will sponsor a charity concert tagged: Pediatric Cancer Concert.
El Rafie  said: “We have  been supporting and partnering with the foundation from inception this is our first event and in the future, we are going to have more events to be able to gather sufficient money that will be donated to help carry on with the activities of the Foundation. We are looking towards building an ultra-modern hospital to help the children with cancer. We are not particularly concerned about how much we are going to raise but to have enough money where we will be able to build a befitting hospital for the Nigerian children suffering from the sickness.”
He explained that  the government was not funding the programme  but to have allowed  the airline to have the foundation is enough support.
 
“We should not put everything on government. Let us leave government alone with the affairs of the state and providing infrastructure. Let us assume our responsibility and let us protect the children,” he said.
He disclosed  that it has the  royal backing of the Oba of Lagos, who he said has  donated a parcel of land to build the hospital.
“So I want to encourage all Nigerians to donate generously towards the construction of the hospital to help children with cancer in the country,” he said.
 

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Massive crowds expected at the stadium for Mandela

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JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Presidents and grandchildren will join a massive throng of mourners Tuesday for a tribute to Nelson Mandela, the embodiment of this nation's struggle for democracy and champion of human rights.
 
On Monday, police and the government were bracing for the crush of mourners at the soccer stadium where the service would take place. South Africans would be met with high-level security measures to protect heads of state that included President Obama, India President Pranab Mukherjee and Cuban President Raul Castro.
 
The stadium seats nearly 100,000 people. Overflow crowds were expected to push that number far higher. Several "overflow" stadiums had been established.
 
South Africans expressed pride in the respect accorded Mandela, the former president who served 27 years in prison fighting a system of white rule that has since been abolished. He died Thursday at his home at age 95.
 
Mandela lived "so magnificent a life that it cannot be held in a grave," the Rev. Mzwandile Molo of the Bethesda Methodist Church told The Times, a local newspaper.
 
Obama was to be among the handful of 70 or so dignitaries asked to speak during the tribute. Some of Mandela's grandchildren were also to share their thoughts.
 
Aides said Obama would spend time with Mandela's family during his visit.
 
Traveling with the president and his family aboard Air Force One were former president George W. Bush and wife Laura and former secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter were arriving separately.
 
"What we can say is … all the events and those who attend them are safe," said Collins Chabane, minister for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation.
 
Anticipating enormous crowds, the government said parents bringing children younger than 8 must write their mobile phone numbers in marker on the forearms of each child.
 
Military, police and intelligence services have all been activated for what may be the largest memorial service in decades. On local radio, broadcasters were warning of huge logistical hurdles and advising people to take public transportation as close parking would be banned.
 
Mandela's body will be taken in a procession to Pretoria, where he will lie in state from Wednesday through Friday. Johannesburg police said they expected tens of thousands of people waiting in long lines to get a last look at the man they call "Tata," which means "father."
 
Billboards put up by his political party, the African National Congress, could be seen throughout Johannesburg.
 
Mandela's remains would then be taken to a funeral and burial at his ancestral home in a rural part of the Eastern Cape province, far from Johannesburg.
 
The Mthatha airport in the Eastern Cape will only be used for the landing of heads of state, jamming up more distant airports where throngs of people and journalists were arriving, according to News24.
 
The Eastern Cape has a significant number of people of mixed race and Afrikaners, descendants of the Dutch colonialists who ruled this country until the early 1990s when Mandela became South Africa's first black president.

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Nelson Mandela Becomes First Politician To Be Missed

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JOHANNESBURG—Following the death of former South African president and civil rights leader Nelson Mandela today at the age of 95, sources confirmed that the revered humanitarian has become the first politician in recorded history to actually be missed. “Today we lost not only an international hero and a symbol of the resilient human spirit, but also the very first political figure ever who people actively wish was still alive and affecting world affairs,” said political historian Wallace M. Delaney of Columbia University, adding that Mandela will long be remembered for enduring 27 years in prison in the fight against apartheid, championing equality across the globe, and standing alone as the only world leader whose passing left the international community grief-stricken and feeling a palpable void in their lives. “Certainly people have felt a sense of sorrow at the deaths of politicians in the past, but Nelson Mandela’s death is the only one on record that people everywhere unanimously agree has left the world notably worse off. I miss him, we all miss him—and that’s entirely unprecedented in the world of politics.” Delaney added that he could not predict who might be the second politician to be missed by humanity, but confirmed there were no viable candidates anywhere out there right now.

 

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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The real Nelson Mandela died in jail ‘years ago’ after Winnie conjugal visit: NATO report

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Johannesburg, South Africa – An unmarked grave in south Africa's notorious Victor Verster prison is Mandela's last resting place according to a NATO file on the political activist's former wife Winnie.
The report describes how a furious fight broke out during a conjugal visit from which Mandela never recovered, prompting terrified South African security service officials to substitute a doppelgänger lookalike to take over the captive's ID and persona.
A series of hush-hush deals with agencies such as the CIA, KGB and the UK's M16 then saw a 'clone' from Robben Island's F wing fast-tracked to deliver a heart-warming and immensely heroic narrative promoting the newly-released 'Mandela' into international celebrity status.
And the rest, as they say, is hystery.
Commenting on the report's findings a spokesperson for the international Bilderberg Group of shadowy stringpullers said the allegations 'are outrageous' – despite the huge amount of DNA data supporting NATO's claims .
The grounds of Sir Mark Thatcher's former Constantia, Cape Town mansion, 'Done Tootin', may now be dug over for additional clues.
 

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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I regret not being a world boxing champion’- Nelson Mandela

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According to the Madiba, Nelson Mandela: “There is one regret that I have had all my life – that I never become the heavy weight boxing champion of the world.”

Nelson Mandela grew up with a love for sport. He was an ardent boxer in his younger days and used it to keep fit.

Look, it is the nature of sport generally – and boxing in particular – that you will have trials and reversals.”
After Madiba’s release from Robben Island, he set out, in his own unique way, to unite a nation through sport.
Ali Bacher (Former Cricket Administrator): “He was the first person to realise the importance of sport, particularly in our divided country, of bringing black and white people together.”
1995 found the new South Africa struggling to find a way to cross the racial divide.

In Sport, Rugby was predominantly supported by whites, with black South Africans rallying behind soccer.
When the Springboks played in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Madiba saw a golden opportunity to reach out to the Afrikaner, and took it, says Ali Bacher, a former cricketer and sports administrator,  “You remember 1995, the Rugby World Cup? Three weeks before the final he went public to support our rugby team wearing the Springbok jersey, to support the Springbok emblem.”

But this was not an easy road to walk for Madiba. Even in the ANC, not everyone supported the idea. Undeterred, Madiba went for a try and scored, says football administrator Danny Jordaan, CEO WC 2010 FIFA Local Organising Committee: “We sat in his house in Houghton at that time and he said, ‘Listen, first of all, tell me why you don’t want the Springbok emblem, but I think you will all agree with me that when it comes to apartheid, there is not a single one here in the room who could tell me about apartheid and the horrors of apartheid.’ And then he paused a moment, and, of course, we said nothing. And then he said, ‘Okay, fine, you agree with me, now tell me why you don’t want the Springbok, without referring to apartheid.’ Of course we had no argument.”

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Madiba Magic: It’s heroic funeral for Mandela

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Read Time:12 Minute, 2 Second

As millions of people in South Africa and other parts of the world mourn the death of Nelson Mandela, 95, the South African President, Jacob Zuma, yesterday announced that a state funeral would be held for Mandela on Sunday, December 15, followed by internment at Qunu in Eastern Cape province same day.

Zuma further said that the official memorial service preceding the burial will be held on December 10,  in Johannesburg, adding that Mandela’s body will lie in state from December 11 to December 13, in the UnionBuilding in Pretoria.

Mandela, who was South Africa’s first black president died at home, Thursday night after a protracted illness, arising from series of lung infections.

President Goodluck Jonathan declared three days of national mourning for Mandela, saying that Nigerian flags would be flown  at half-mast across the country during the period.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media, Reuben Abati, quoted Jonathan as asking ‘’all Nigerians to unite in solidarity with the brotherly people of South Africa as they mourn the great liberator, freedom fighter and hero of the black race.’’

The President also called for special prayers in mosques and churches in the country during the period of mourning beginning from yesterday, ‘’for the peaceful repose of Mandela’s soul.’’

According to Abati, a special inter-denominational memorial service for Mandela would hold at the State House Chapel tomorrow.

In South Africa, crowds have formed outside Mandela’s house in Johannesburg following the news of his death broke out late Thursday.

Crowds gathered outside the Victor Verster prison in Cape Town, the jail where Nelson Mandela was released from captivity in 1990, just as flowers and notes were laid outside the prison. One read: “We’ll miss you Madiba – may your spirit soar like an eagle.”

Flowers were also laid yesterday at the foot of the Mandela statue in Parliament Square, London, United Kingdom.

The mood in Soweto was also gloomy as people gathered in Vilakazi Street to ‘’celebrate Mandela’s life. It was almost like a street party.”

Mandela was elected South Africa’s first black president after he spent 27 years in prison

Official mourning is expected to last 10 days.

World leaders including Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Barak Obama, British Prime Minister, David Cameron, UN Secretary, Ban Ki-Moon, Irish Prime Minister, Edna Kenny were among the world leaders who continued to mourn Madiba (as he was popularly known among his people) yesterday.
Among prominent Nigerians who also mourned Mandela yesterday included, Vice President, Namadi Sambo, Senate President, David Mark, his deputy, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the Governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime and  the former Governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige among others.

Vice President Sambo in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media, Umar Sani, said that ‘’the world will forever, remember the contributions of the former president of  South Africa towards peace and democracy.,’’ adding that the vacuum he left would be difficult to fill in Africa.

Senate President, David Mark, described the late apartheid hero as “one of the greatest Africans that ever lived,” just as his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, said the late freedom fighter was an “epitome of democracy and selfless struggle for good.”

According to Ekweremadu, “Mandela demonstrated that a leader could transform a nation from a land of hate to one of love and equal opportunity in the shortest possible time. A single term was more than enough for him to heal the wounds of apartheid, break the thick walls of animosity, and bring about racial harmony, solid multiracial democracy, and dramatic socioeconomic transfor-mations in South Africa. And he will be greatly missed.”

Professor Soyinka in his tribute said, ‘’the soul of Africa has departed, and there is nothing miraculous left in the world.’

In another email, Soyinka described Mandela, ‘’a  man who refused to hate, but struggled to love in order to achieve not his personal ambition, but the ambition of his people to be free. As Madiba goes home, I salute him as the one man who through his book, the ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ touched me, touched millions like me, and above all, cost me a day’s wages as I could not put down the book till I finished reading it.’’

On his own former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar described Mandela as “a great African, a defender of democracy and a brave and courageous freedom fighter (who) paid the supreme price for democracy, freedom and justice.”

According to Atiku, one of the greatest lessons Mandela taught the world was that power was not a matter of life and death.

Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State also said “Mandela would always be remembered as a heroic son of Africa who redefined patriotism, sacrifice and selfless leadership,’’ adding that ‘’the best tribute that African leaders can pay him, is to emulate his principles and values so that like him, they may also lead their respective countries to greatness.”

Former Commonwealth General Secretary, Emeka Anyaoku who recalled Mandela’s stance against violence in fighting the apartheid regime of P.W. Botha in South Africa said that, ‘’it remains an unforgettable image in my mind and, I am sure, in the minds of many others who were present at the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria on May 10, 1994 to witness Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela take the oath of office as the first democratically elected President of South Africa,’’ pointing out that, ‘’I still remember the tears of joy that rolled down the faces of so many at that wonderful occasion.

‘’Nelson Mandela was a rare human being. What an honour and privilege it is to have been associated with him.’’

The United Progressive Party,  Arewa Consultative Forum and textile workers in the country on their own also mourned the departed African icon, asking Nigerian leaders to emulate the virtues of the former South African president.

The  ACF and the Vice President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Issa Aremu, in their separate tributes said Mandela  was ‘’an embodiment of peace, relative pluralism nurtured by reconciliation, forgiveness, tolerance, justice, liberty, common decency, equality, accommodation as well as dignity of man,’’ adding that, “since Dr Mandela needs no tomb stone to remind humanity of what he stood and fought for, the only way humanity can show eternal gratitude to the man is to live up his legacies. Adieu Mandela”.

Senator Chris Ngige also celebrated Mandela, pointing out that by his demise the world had lost an embodiment ‘’of humanity, a harbinger of courage; a moving spirit for a people’s unwavering struggle to freedom; a tower of knowledge deployed to public good, and an abode of forthrightness.’’

The BBC also reported the tweets from Daniel Howden, of the Economist thus, ‘’Priest at Mandela home: To those who have faith he was a miracle, to those without, he surpassed all human expectation,’’ just as a novelist, J. M. Coetzee, renown for his inspiring recording of the impact of apartheid on South Africa, wrote that, “Mandela held a turbulent country together during the dangerous years 1990-94,”

A statement about Nelson Mandela by the Afghan President Hamid Karzai said, “An icon of our time, for man’s dignity, equality and freedom. A selfless human being, who struggled not only for the black South Africans against apartheid, but for the dignity of all of us. History will throw a very kind light on him.”

In China, Nelson Mandela has been remembered as a friend of the country who praised its communist revolution. Flowers were laid at the South African embassy in Beijing.

Former Chinese ambassador to South Africa and now China’s special envoy to Africa, Liu Guijin, told  the BBC World Service, that in 2002 Mandela “tried to phone George Bush but failed. Nelson Mandela personally tried to stop the Iraq war,. “So he phoned the old Bush (George Snr) and asked him to teach his son a lesson not to be that aggressive.”

Also, Gedefaw in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia wrote that: Mandela taught the ‘’world forgiveness, love, dedication, and peace. South Africans were lucky enough to have had such a devoted and democrat leader.’’

Pope Francis in a statement said it was “with great sadness that I learned of the death of former President Nelson Mandela”. He paid tribute to “the steadfast commitment” shown by  Mandela “in promoting the human dignity of all nations’ citizens, and in forging a new South Africa built on the firm foundations of non-violence, reconciliation and truth.”

The European Commission is flying its EU flags at half mast in Brussels, while children prayed  in an Ahmadabad classroom in India.

Flowers have been laid outside the South African embassy in Berlin.

In Paris, a giant portrait of the late former South African president hangs on the facade of the French foreign ministry, the Quai d’Orsay, even as flags were flying at half mast on government buildings in Dublin, Ireland.

Ireland’s first woman president Mary Robinson, who worked closely with Nelson Mandela, says he was “a huge flirt”. She adds: “Why is it that we celebrate that we are so sad, that we feel a loss as if it’s a family member? Why are we so bereft? Because he was the best of us. He was the best of our values.”

Also, in an email, Karin Lachmising of Paramaribo, Suriname, wrote,  ‘’In 1990 I sat in front of my television, I was living in Holland at that moment.. and watched how miles and miles away from me Nelson Mandela walked out of prison and tears started flowing. Now 2013 I am again sitting alone in front of my TV, now living in Suriname, and tears flow again.

former US Secretary of State Colin Powell, said, “Nelson Mandela taught all of us that even though you have disagreements and you are in an adversarial position with each other, sooner or later you’ve got to resolve those adversarial positions and join hands to move forward.”

All over the world, the mood was the same.  Pupils in the UK sent their thoughts, reflections and even poems to the BBC, some of which read: ‘’Madiba was a very special man. My husband and I met him at a business conference. He was busy speaking to someone and he shook my husband’s hand and held it until the other person had finished talking, just to make us feel important. He touched many peoples’ lives in this manner. Everyone was special to him.’’

Other emails from other parts of the world stated that ‘’Nelson Mandela leaves many lessons and one of them says it’s possible to fight for a society that’s more just, where the value of people is not measured by their origin, skin colour or social status. Mandela believed in an ideal of justice and made it happen. His mission was accomplished and his example will surely stay with us.’’

Meanwhile, the South African President Jacob Zuma has thanked his people over the dignified manner they responded to the death of Madiba.

”We sincerely thank all South Africans for the dignified manner in which they have responded to the monumental loss of this international icon who was a symbol of reconciliation, unity, love, human rights and justice in our country and in the world,” Zuma said in a live television address.

Qunu, Mandela’s final resting  place

QUNU, the quiet South African village where Nelson Mandela was born and grew up, is set to become a permanent tourist centre.

For those wishing to pay their respects to the nation’s first black president, will have the opportunity to visit his Museum few meters away from his home.

Mandela will be buried at Qunu on Sunday, 15 December, South Africa’s president Jacob Zuma announced yesterday.

The event will be attended by world leaders including President Obama and David Cameron as well as TV personality Oprah Winfrey, who was close to the statesman. Bill and Hilary Clinton are also expected to attend. Until then, the 95-year-old’s body will lie in state at the seat of government, the Union Buildings, in the capital of Pretoria.

Flags in South Africa will fly at half-mast during a period of mourning prior to the state funeral. Both houses of parliament will be recalled from recess for a special joint sitting in honour of Mandela’s legacy and official memorial services will be held across the country.

When the official ceremonies are over – including a memorial service – Mandela’s remains will be flown to the Eastern Cape, the “hilly rural area” where the former president was born and grew up.

The site of Mandela’s last resting place has been the subject of a bitter court battle involving some of his relatives. Mandla Mandela, Mandela’s official heir, was accused of moving the bodies of three of the former South African president’s children from Qunu to Mvezo, about 12 miles away – reportedly because he wanted his own village to benefit from an influx of Mandela pilgrims. It was alleged he did not consult other family members about the exhumations and a judge ordered him to return the remains to their original graves.

Now that the court battle is over, Mandela will be laid to rest in a place where he spent “some of the happiest years of my boyhood”, according to his memoirs.

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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World Leaders Head to S’Africa for Mandela’s Burial Dec 15

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Read Time:7 Minute, 38 Second
A large number of world leaders, including President Goodluck Jonathan, President Barack Obama of the United States and British Prime Minister David Cameroon are scheduled to attend the burial of South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela who died on Thursday.
 
The anti- apartheid icon will be buried on December 15 in his village in Qunu, Eastern Cape, after a state funeral.
 
Also in a rare global honour, the flags of several countries in the world will fly at half mast beginning Friday, in honour of Mandela.
President Jacob Zuma who announced the funeral plans for Mandela yesterday afternoon said the official memorial service for the departed icon would be held on December 10 at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
 
Mandela, who died after a long health struggle at the age of 95 will lie in state from December 11 to 13 at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Zuma said, adding that the buildings are "where he served as the first president."
"During these days, official memorial services will also be held in all provinces and regions," he said.
 
"We sincerely thank all South Africans for the dignified manner in which they have respected and responded to the monumental loss of this international icon, who was a symbol of reconciliation, unity, love, human rights and justice in our country and the world.
 
“Sunday December 8 would be reserved as a national day of prayer and reflection for Mandela. We should all work together to organise the most befitting funeral for this outstanding son of our country and the father of our young nation.
 
"We call upon all our people to gather in halls, churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and in their homes to pray and hold prayer services and meditation reflecting on the life of Madiba and his contribution to our country and the world," Zuma said.
 
Zuma had earlier yesterday visited Mandela's home in Houghton, Johannesburg, where the former president passed away, to pay his respects to the Mandela family.
He said the number of tributes pouring in from the international community was a testament to Mandela's calibre of leadership.
 
"We'll always love Madiba for teaching us that it is possible to overcome hatred and anger in order to build a new nation and a new society. We spend the week mourning his passing. We'll also spend it celebrating a life well lived, a life that we must all emulate for the betterment of our country and Africa. Long live Madiba," Zuma said.
 
Meanwhile, Jonathan yesterday declared three days of national mourning for Mandela and added that flags are to be flown at half mast across Nigeria during the period.
 
Jonathan in a statement urged all Nigerians to unite in solidarity with "the brotherly people of South Africa as they mourn the great liberator, freedom fighter and hero of the black race."
 
He called for special prayers in mosques and churches in Nigeria during the period of mourning which began yesterday, for the peaceful repose of Mandela’s soul.
 
A special inter-denominational memorial service for Mandela will be held at the State House Chapel on Sunday.
 
President Obama on Thursday also ordered flags to fly at half-staff at the White House and public buildings in mourning the death of the anti-apartheid hero.
 
Obama's proclamation, which also extended to US foreign missions, military posts, naval stations and military vessels, is valid through sunset on Monday.
 
Obama is expected to travel to South Africa next week to participate in memorial events for Mandela. He will be accompanied by former President Bill Clinton.
"President Obama and the first lady will go to South Africa next week to pay their respects to the memory of Nelson Mandela and to participate in memorial events. We'll have further updates on timing and logistics as they become available," White House spokesman Jay Carney said in a statement friday.
 
Pope Benedict Francis in a statement yesterday paid tribute to Mandela's struggle to forge a just South Africa, praising the anti-apartheid hero's commitment to non-violence, reconciliation and truth.
"I pray that the late president's example will inspire generations of South Africans to put justice and the common good at the forefront of their political aspirations," Francis said in a telegram to Zuma.
 
The pontiff praised "the steadfast commitment shown by Mandela in promoting the human dignity of all citizens and in forging a new South Africa built on the firm foundations.
The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon also joined global figures yesterday to mourn the exit Mandela.
 
In a statement issued Friday, Ki Moon described Mandela as “a singular figure on the global stage; a man of quiet dignity and towering achievement; a giant for justice and a down-to-earth human inspiration.”
He urged everyone to emulate the virtues which the late Mandela stood for.
 
"Many around the world were greatly influenced by his selfless struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom.  He touched our lives in deeply personal ways.  At the same time, no one did more in our time to advance the values and aspirations of the United Nations.
“Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of his people and humanity, and he did so at great personal sacrifice.  His principled stance and the moral force that under pinned it were decisive in dismantling the system of apartheid.
 
“Remarkably, he emerged from 27 years of detention without rancour, determined to build a new South Africa based on dialogue and understanding. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission established under his leadership remains a model for achieving justice in societies confronting a legacy of human rights abuses,” the UN secretary general said.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo while reacting to the death of Mandela said that the world had lost a world leader.
 
According to Obasanjo, as the whole world pays tribute to Madiba, I join them in celebrating the life of a man who raised the beacon of human struggle to lofty heights of nobility and whose life is an example of what we should all aspire for.”
Obasanjo said his demise was a loss to his family “who would miss a caring patriarch, the people of South Africa who would miss a guide, Africa who would miss a role model and the world who would miss a leader.”
 
Speaking further, he said: “In all situations, he lived nobly and died in nobility. Let us bear in mind that we all have the opportunity to act nobly in whatever position we find ourselves. When we teach our children the lessons for tomorrow, let us be reminded of the lessons Mandela gave the world in forgiveness and forbearance."
 
While recalling his days with the late Mandela, Obasanjo said one of his earliest contacts with Nelson Mandela was in February 1986 when he visited him at Polls-moor Prison in his capacity as Co-Chairman of the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group on South Africa.
 
He said: "He (Mandela) dressed defiantly in ANC belt and reminded me of his visit to Nigeria in 1962. Though appalled by Apartheid, I left his prison cell deeply convinced that the history of South Africa and, indeed, Africa would be worse off and would not be complete if the purpose for which he was in jail – elimination of apartheid – did not end for him to be in a position to lead his country from racial and tribal division into a rainbow united society.
 
"The eventual release of Nelson Mandela from prison was inevitable. On a visit to South Africa, I called on Mandela after he was released from prison on Sunday, 11 February 1990. He pulled me out of the hotel and made me to stay with him and his family in their house in Soweto."
He added: "The last time I saw him was about two years ago. I went to visit him at his Johannesburg residence. His health had deteriorated somewhat but he was still very alert but did not talk much during our discussions; Graca did more of the talking."
 
Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka simply remarked: “The soul of Africa has departed and there is nothing miraculous left in the world.”
As many in Africa continue to mourn Mandela, they are hoping their leaders today will be inspired by the anti-apartheid hero to heal another rift widening dangerously across the continent: the wealth gap.
 
"We need the next Mandela to fight for the poor," said Thomas Kozzih, 30, a community worker in Nairobi's Kibera slum – an expanse of metal shacks butting up against smart new flats that testify to Africa's new growth that has left many behind.
 

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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