As the world mourns the death of Nelson Mandela, the World Diamond Council (WDC) hailed him as “a great leader who became a model and shining example for people the world over.”
“Through his strength of character, personal example, and unwavering commitment to justice, Nelson Mandela led his nation on a path of recovery, showing the world that peaceful reconciliation and the finding of common cause among diverse people are possible, even when the odds seem unsurmountable,” WDC said in a statement. “He transformed a country and region that once stood on the brink of disaster into a symbol of hope and progress”¦ He will be missed, but his legacy will last forever.’
De Beers Group chief executive officer (CEO) Philippe Mellier paid tribute to Mandela for his message of peace.
“His life stands as a resolute symbol of hope in the face of oppression, and an unparalleled example of the power of reconciliation to heal a nation,” he said.
“As De Beers mourns the passing of Mandela, we are heartened to know his message of hope endures. He is a singular figure in human history and, while we will miss him, we know his spirit lives on and serves as a source of inspiration and strength to us all.”
