​​”Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss. … This is the moment of our deepest sorrow. Our nation has lost its greatest son.” With these words President Jacob Zuma announced the passing away of Nelson Mandela to the world at 23h30 on the 5th of December 2013.​​​

The University of Johannesburg is deeply saddened by the passing away of the father of our nation and one of the most respected leaders in the world today. Here is a man whose life embodied the indomitable human quest for freedom. Through his leadership Nelson Mandela built a country, formed a nation and reinvented humanity.

The University of Johannesburg commits itself to executing its historic mission of research, teaching and community engagement in a manner that will preserve the ideal for which Mandela lived – ‘the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony with equal opportunities’.

In the words of the UJ alumnus, USA President Barack Obama, … ‘let us pause and give thanks for the fact that Nelson Mandela lived — a man who took history in his hands, and bent the arc of the moral universe toward justice’.

The Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, the Chairperson and members of the University Council, the Principal and Vice Chancellor, the Executive Management, staff and students send their deepest condolences to his wife Mrs Graça Machel, his former wife Mrs Winnie Madikizela, his children, grandchildren and the entire Madiba clan.

May God bless his soul. May God bless Africa.​