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Johannesburg - Former president Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to fight for the freedom of his people, Standard Bank said on Friday.
"The world has indeed lost one of the greatest leaders of our time," chief executives Sim Tshabalala and Ben Kruger said in a statement.
"Tata Madiba chose to sacrifice everything to fight for the freedom of his people. He dedicated himself to the upliftment of South Africans and fought throughout his life against intolerance, racism, injustice, and inequality."
In a separate statement, MTN Group president and chief executive Sifiso Dabengwa said Mandela showed unrivalled leadership and courage during his term as president of South Africa.
"Former
president Mandela leaves behind a rich legacy of reconciliation, world
peace, and the triumph of the human spirit over all adversity," Dabengwa
said.
"He never lost his compassion, humility,
and common humanity. He's an inspiration to us all. He taught us to love
ourselves, to love one another, and to love our country.
"So, as we celebrate his selfless efforts on behalf of human dignity, it also represents an enduring challenge for us all."
Standard Bank said Mandela paid a heavy price for his ideals and his commitment.
"Throughout his life he was a pillar of strength and source of inspiration to oppressed people all over the world.
"All of us admired him for his wisdom, vision, humility, intellect, and his integrity."
Tshabalala and Kruger sent their condolences to the Mandela family.
"We grieve with you. At the same time, we celebrate the life of this great man who loved this country so much.
"We are saddened, as are millions of people around the country and indeed around the world, by the irreplaceable loss of a great man, a founding father of our great nation, a remarkable statesman and one of the most steadfast and visionary leaders of recent times."
They said South Africa was grateful for his leadership at the most challenging times in South Africa's history.
"The many thousands of people who had the privilege to meet Tata Madiba over the past 20 years will surely each have their own moment of memory to cherish," they said.
"We have had the honour of engaging with Tata Madiba on several occasions, dealing with matters both public and private."
He was a towering presence in any conversation, they said.
"His memory will forever be treasured by the freedom-loving peoples of the world for the life-long dedication he showed to the liberation of the... oppressed."
Dabengwa said Mandela would be remembered for his relentless pursuit of freedom and democracy."Even after 27 years of prison and hardship, only one thing counted for Madiba, as Mandela was affectionately called by his clan name -- creating a democratic, prosperous future for all the people of the new South Africa.
"This combination of humanity and unique statesmanship made his true greatness manifest for the entire world."
President Jacob Zuma announced that Mandela died on Thursday night at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, at the age of 95.
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