President hails Pele as a global inspiration and champion of peace<\/p>\n
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the passing of global football icon and social activist, Pel\u00e9.<\/p>\n
Edson Arantes do Nascimento has passed away at the age of 82 after an extended illness.<\/p>\n
President Ramaphosa offers his deepest sympathy to Pel\u00e9\u2019s family and friends and to the government and people of Brazil.<\/p>\n
The President has expressed his condolences in letters to President Jair Bolsonaro as well as incoming President Luis In\u00e1cio Lula da Silva.<\/p>\n
The only 3 time FIFA World Cup champion, Pel\u00e9 dazzled both fans and competitors alike with a skillful and entertaining style of play that made him a global star and icon of excellence in football.<\/p>\n
He was a campaigner for improved social conditions in his home country and internationally, and served as Minister of Sport in Brazil from January 1995 to April 1998.<\/p>\n
Pel\u00e9 visited South Africa in 1995 and met President Nelson Mandela. The two global figures expressed profound admiration for one another based on their common social and political causes.<\/p>\n
President Ramaphosa said: \u201cDuring the eight decades of his life, Pel\u00e9 not only filled football stadiums with exhilaration but he filled hearts and homes with hope and the knowledge that adversity was surmountable.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was a global inspiration who embodied the best that sport has to offer as an exhibition of physical endeavour and as a means to transform individuals and entire societies from within.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis endurance and impact on the field of play inspired the resilience with which Pel\u00e9 worked for peace and justice globally.<\/p>\n
\u201cPel\u00e9 will be missed by multiple generations of people worldwide who were touched by his life even if they never set foot in a stadium.\u201d<\/p>\n
Source: Government of South Africa<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
President hails Pele as a global inspiration and champion of peace President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the passing of global football icon and social activist, Pel\u00e9. Edson Arantes do Nascimento has passed away at the age of 82 after an extended illness. President Ramaphosa offers his deepest sympathy to Pel\u00e9\u2019s family and … <\/p>\n