Johannesburg - Former president Nelson Mandela was the greatest son of South Africa, the National Youth Development Agency said on Friday.
"The NYDA sends its heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family on the sad passing of the greatest son of the soil, a great man of honour, former president, Tata Nelson Mandela.
"This is indeed a great loss, not only to the immediate Mandela family, but the rest of South Africa and the world, for Tata Mandela touched millions of lives through his good and honourable deeds."
While South Africa must mourn this great loss it must also, in the same vein, celebrate a life lived with purpose.
"His presence made the world a better place for many of us, as he continued to touch many lives through his good deeds," the NYDA said.
"We must all take the time to remember what Tata Mandela stood for, his morals and values, his dedication towards the improvement of all our lives."
Whatever was done as part of the activities to mark and celebrate his life had to befit his honour.
From next week Wednesday, the NYDA would invite all young people from across the country to visit its 14 branches to sign a tribute message to Mandela.
"The national flag with youth messages will then be handed over to the Mandela family as an expression of the youth voice towards the passing away of the revered leader," the NYDA said.
"Indeed, as in the words of Tata Mandela, 'What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead'."
Mandela would forever live in the memories of all people of the world.
Mandela died at the age of 95 at his home in Houghton on Thursday night.
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