DALLAS — Former President George W. Bush is paying tribute to former South African President Nelson Mandela.

The anti-apartheid leader who became South Africa’s first black president died Thursday at the age of 95.

In a statement issued by his Dallas office, Bush said:

“Laura and I join the people of South Africa and the world in celebrating the life of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. President Mandela was one of the great forces for freedom and equality of our time. He bore his burdens with dignity and grace, and our world is better off because of his example.

“This good man will be missed, but his contributions will live on forever. Laura and I send our heartfelt sympathy to President Mandela’s family and to the citizens of the nation he loved.”


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