The world pays tribute to Mandela (slideshow)
As South Africans come to terms with the loss of former president Nelson Mandela, the rest of the world bids farewell to Madiba.
Pimples: Saving Madiba's rabbit (video)
Gwede, Mac and Blade try their best to stop the rabbit from whispering in Mandela's ear. But the elusive animal has some tricks up its sleeve.
Zapiro's best Madiba cartoons (slideshow)
From his toughest moments to his most triumphant, Madiba has been an inspiration. Here are some of our favourite Zapiro cartoons about him from 1994 to 2013.
Mandela: SA's greatest son laid to rest (slideshow)
The world watched as Nelson Mandela was finally laid to rest in his hometown of Qunu following a dignified and moving funeral ceremony on Sunday.
The South African Rugby Union (Saru) on Friday paid tribute to the extraordinary life and unselfish contribution to the establishment of a united South Africa, of former President, Nelson Mandela.
Mandela passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday night. He was 95.
"All of our lives are poorer today at the extinguishing of the great beacon of light and hope that led the way for our country through the transition to democracy," said Oregan Hoskins, president of Saru.
"We have been steeling ourselves for this day for some time but, now it has arrived, the sadness is no less. Madiba had a place in all our hearts – and his passing is a personal blow to us all.
"The South African Rugby Union shares in our nation's sadness: Madiba was a great man of vision, determination and integrity who performed a miracle that amazed the world as much as it amazed his fellow countrymen.
"His name will rank among that of the greatest liberators and humanitarians for as long as mankind walks the earth. It was our privilege to have lived in this country during his lifetime."
Legendary
Mandela was a legendary freedom fighter, the first democratically elected South African state president and a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
He used the 1995 rugby World Cup, the first major sporting event to be hosted in South Africa after the 1994 democratic elections, as an instrument of change to help promote unity amongst all South Africans.
"Madiba was a true icon of inspiration and as much as South Africa owes so much to him, so does rugby," said Hoskins. "Through his extraordinarily vision, he was able to use the 1995 rugby World Cup as an instrument to help promote nation building just one year after South Africa's historic first democratic election.
"Mr Mandela was also instrumental in retaining the Springbok as the emblem for our national team at a time when a chorus of voices advocated a change of the symbol, for various reasons. It was an act of reconciliation and generosity of spirit which no one could have expected.
"The South African Rugby Union also sincerely appreciated the many times he inspired the Springboks to many great heights on the playing field.
Inspiration
Mandela inspired the entire South African nation with his kindness, generosity and ability not only to forgive, but also to understand his fellow citizens.
"The countless accolades bestowed upon him by various institutions and governments across the globe are testimony to his unique, caring and very humble character. I believe it is a legacy and personality trait to which all of us must aspire."
Springbok captain Jean de Villiers said: "My lasting memory of Madiba is that of a person who had enormous ability to bring people together. His presence at a Test match just lifted the crowd and energised the team – it is actually hard to describe.
"Of course, as a sportsman I am so grateful for him for what he did for our country. He inspired South Africans, who for so long were very divided, to peacefully build a united rainbow nation."
Hoskins said that Saru was considering ways in which the Madiba Legacy could be honoured in rugby.