AfDB President Donald Kaberuka is among the world leaders and dignitaries who are in Johannesburg to pay final respects to Nelson Mandela, who will finally be laid to rest on Sunday 15 December 2013 in his home town of Qunu in the province of East Cape (formerly Transkei), South Africa.

Before leaving for Johannesburg to represent the Bank Group for the rites, which last for five days beginning from Tuesday, 10 December, President Kaberuka had previously paid tribute to the late Mandela in which he described the South African leader as "an extraordinary man" and one of the world's and Africa's most illustrious sons. Eulogizing Mandela, the AfDB President said:

"As we mourn today, we also celebrate one extraordinary life that touched the hearts of millions of people. Nelson Mandela was a true servant - not just of his country and of Africa, but of men and women all over the world. His leadership was borne of humility, humanity and passionate desire for change. His vision was equality and opportunity for all and we honour Madiba by striving everyday to complete the task he began."

The Bank mourns a man whose release from prison on 11 February 1990 paved the way for a high-level AfDB delegation to South Africa and the commissioning of a study on how to integrate the country into AfDB operations. Today, South Africa is a key player in AfDB operations both in its share capital structure and as a committed client, with Pretoria hosting one of the Bank's two Regional Resource Centres.