Four days after the death of world icon and former president Nelson Mandela, #Madiba, #RIPNelsonMandela, South Africa and ANC are still trending on Twitter.
The social media platform has been inundated with Madiba tweets since the news of his passing broke late Thursday night. President Jacob Zuma addressed the nation, saying Mandela "passed on peacefully in the company of his family" at about 8:50pm.
Politicians, religious leaders, celebrities and South Africans alike have been paying tribute to Madiba on Twitter. Shortly after the news broke, US president Barack Obama tweeted: "Let us pause and give thanks for the fact that Nelson Mandela lived." The British Monarchy tweeted: "The Queen was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Nelson #Mandela", followed by the link to her full statement. The Dalai Lama also expressed his condolences on the social media platform, as well as UK prime minister, David Cameron.
Hillary Clinton tweeted: "Nelson Mandela was a champion for justice & human dignity, with unmatched grace. I'll remember him as Madiba, truly an unconquerable soul."
IT giant Bill Gates said that every time he and his wife met Nelson Mandela, they left more inspired than ever. "His grace and courage changed the world. This is a sad day."
Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille has kept up a steady stream of Madiba tweets since Thursday, and this morning said: "Wonderful to start the day hearing the call to prayer echoing across the City Bowl. Big day ahead for paying tribute to Madiba and Eglin."
Even Hollywood stars took to Twitter to pay their tributes. A few of the numerous celebrity tweets include Rihanna who tweeted: "#NelsonMandela you made your people proud!! We'll always love you for it!"; Lady Gaga who posted: "It is such a sad yet beautiful moment that Nelson Mandela has passed. A time to celebrate him & remember his contributions to humankind"; and Oprah Winfrey with numerous Madiba tweets, including: "One of the great honours of my life was to be invited to Nelson Mandela's home, spend private time and get to know him."
The world's mourning is also prevalent on Facebook, where the "Nelson Mandela - Rest in Peace" group has already garnered more than 102 000 likes, and the official Nelson Mandela page now boasts 2.8 million followers.
Government has announced on its official Mandela Web site that the former president will be laid to rest during an official state funeral, which will take place over a period of 10 days. Mandela will be buried at Qunu in the Eastern Cape on 15 December, following an official memorial service tomorrow at FNB stadium in Johannesburg. From 11 to 13 December, South Africans and selected international visitors will be able to view Mandela's remains at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
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