They said it at the unveiling of Mandela's Statue in London today

BBC quoted the following on their website today.

Mr Brown hailed Mr Mandela as the "greatest and most courageous leader of our generation".

"Long after we are forgotten, you will be remembered for having taught the world one amazing truth," said Mr Livingstone. "That you can achieve justice without vengeance. I honour you and London honours you."

Wendy Woods, wife of the late Donald Woods (the late South African anti-apartheid activist Donald Woods had the idea for the 9ft-high - 2.7m - bronze statue), said: "This statue will remind the world of the human qualities that Mr Mandela has.

"These are qualities which have helped South Africa...............and helped us on our first step towards a future where all people can flourish and lead happier lives."

Talking to crowds who gathered for the unveiling, Mr Mandela said: "Though this statue is of one man, it should in actual fact symbolise all of those who have resisted oppression, especially in my country."

In my opinion, Nelson Mandela can be described (in any part of the world) as a hero, a selfless leader, an inspirational person, name it. I wish every city could erect a statue in his honour. Steven Shukor of the BBC reports that the Mayor of London, Mr. Ken Livingstone, described Mandela's statue in his city as "a beacon of hope".

I believe that Nelson Mandela's statue would never be brought down even by the rowdiest of crowds in any part of the world as has happened with statues of some leaders. There is absolutely no reason for hating him. May we live to see more Mandelas despite the tall order Madiba has set. The challenge to us is, by the time you and I make 89 as Madiba has made recently, how much score will we make on the "Mandela legacy scale"? How many people will we have positively influenced or inspired by our legacy? How long will our legacy last?