Not long after the news broke of Mandela’s death bouquets began to appear at the foot of his statue in London.

British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted that “A great light has gone out in the world,” before addressing the press.

“Nelson Mandela was not just a hero of our time, but a hero of all time. Families across Britain will mourn with his family and everyone in South Africa,” said Cameron.

Japan’s prime minister Shinzo Abe added his voice to the chorus of tributes.

“He fought for the abolition of apartheid with a strong will. On nation building, he made a major achievement with focus on the reconciliation of the people. He was a great leader. “

In Venezuela, President Nicolas Maduro announced an official mourning period “for three days” in honour of the memory of what he called “this giant of Africa and of people all over the world, Nelson Mandela.”

Mandela had cited the writings of Che Guevara, hero of the Cuban revolution, as a source of inspiration and the country has a fond place in their hearts for the freedom fighter.