The former archbishop of Cape Town offers prayers upon the death of the South African statesman.

“We offer a prayer of contrition. We come with humble and broken hearts for all the ways we have fallen short of the glory of God.

“We come carrying our sorrow for all of the ways that we have fallen short of the example that Madiba offered us; an example of integrity, of reconciliation, of leadership in the service of the people.

“So we thank God for Rolihlahla. We thank God that this man had the courage to learn and to grow.

“As we stand before God with all of our grief, we ask God to bless South Africa. God bless South Africa, guide our leaders, guard our children and give us peace,” Tutu’s prayer read.

President Jacob Zuma announced his death on SABC just before midnight.

“He passed on peacefully in the company of his family around 20.50pm on December 5. He is now resting, he is now at peace. Our nation has lost its greatest son.

“Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together and it is together that we bid him farewell.”