Johannesburg – Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has likened former president Nelson Mandela to Moses, his office said in a statement on Monday

“He said in Nelson Mandela, God gave South Africa a… Moses to lead and liberate his people from apartheid and oppression,” his office said.

Moses is a religious figure who freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

Ndebele along with Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi attended a prayer service for Mandela at the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God in Johannesburg on Sunday.

“He [Ndebele] described the departed Mandela as a giant of South Africa, a giant of Africa, and a giant of the world which South Africans must be proud of and emulate.”

Mandela died at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, on Thursday at the age of 95.

President Jacob Zuma told reporters in Johannesburg on Friday that Sunday would be a national day of prayer and reflection for Mandela.

Friends, colleagues, comrades and family of Nelson Mandela are invited to share their memories and tributes, and to light a candle for him, on his profile at Remembered.co.za.

– Share your memories of Nelson Mandela with us.

– SAPA