We have lost our pillar — Nelson Mandela Family

In their first statement since his death, Nelson Mandela’s family said they have ‘Lost a great man, a son of the soil.”

Lt. Gen. Temba Matanzima, a spokesman for the Mandela family, read the statement to journalists Saturday in Johannesburg, according to the Cable News Network.

The statement said: “The pillar of the royal Mandela family is no more with us physically, but his spirit is still with us.”

The statement further indicated “We have lost a great man, a son of the soil whose greatness in our family was in the simplicity of his nature in our midst – a caring family leader who made time for all and on that score we will miss him dearly.”

Mandela died Thursday at age 95.

Matanzima likened the late president to a baobab tree that had provided shade and protection to the Mandela family.

“Yes, it has not been easy for the last two days and it won’t be pleasant for the days to come,” the family statement said. “But with the support we are receiving from here and beyond and in due time all will be well for the family.”

Announcing further details of the state funeral arrangements, the government said that the late president’s body was being prepared by the military health service before it lay in state.

• On Sunday, 8 December, a national day of prayer and reflection will be held across the country to celebrate Mr Mandela’s life and legacy

•Tuesday, 10 December is the day for South Africa’s official memorial service at the FNB Stadium on the outskirts of Johannesburg, which will attract world leaders as well as ordinary South Africans

•Between 11-13 December, “selected international visitors and guests” will be able to view Mandela’s remains at the Union Buildings in Pretoria

•His body will be transported on Saturday, 14 December, from Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria to the Eastern Cape, with a procession from the airport at Mthatha to his home village of Qunu where a traditional ceremony will be held

•A funeral service will take place at Qunu on Sunday, 15 December

Qunu is where Mandela grew up and later retired too.

Flags at all official buildings are to remain at half mast throughout the period and books of condolence are being circulated across the country and online for people to post tributes, record memories and express their emotions.