Official Statement on the Passing of Former President Mandela sent on behalf of Ald. Joe Davis

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

"During my lifetime, I have dedicated myself to the struggle of the African People.  I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.  I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and equal opportunities.  It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve.  But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." 

18 July 1918- 5 December 2013

Official Statement from the Republic of South Africa

The Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa, South African Consul General Vuyiswa Tulelo (Chicago) and South African Honorary Consul Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. present their compliments to the Office of the Governor of the State of Wisconsin, the Office of the Mayor of the City of Milwaukee and the Chief of Police of the City of Milwaukee and with deep sorrow, wish to inform you of the passing away of the former President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela, on 5 December 2013.

Mr Mandela served as South Africa’s first democratically elected President from 1994 until 1999. He was imprisoned in South Africa for his struggle against racial oppression from 1963 until his release on 11 February 1990. He is the South African nation’s founding father and his tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world.

President Zuma announced that former President Mandela will be accorded a state funeral and he ordered that all flags of the Republic of South Africa be lowered to half-mast from tomorrow, 6 December, and to remain at half-mast until after the funeral.

A book of condolences will be open at the Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa, 200 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 600, Chicago, on Friday, 6 December and Monday through Friday, 9-13 December 2013 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa avails itself of the opportunity to renew to the Office of the Governor of the State of Wisconsin, the Office of the Mayor of the City of Milwaukee and the Chief of Police of the City of Milwaukee the assurances of its high consideration.

CHICAGO

5 December 2013

Office of the Governor of Wisconsin

Office of the Mayor of the City of Milwaukee

Office of the Chief of Police of the City of Milwaukee