Charlize Theron on Madiba: ‘I am saddened to the depths of my soul’

Nelson Mandela has been a father figure and friend to many, including the celebrities and politicians who poured out tributes on Twitter following the announcement of the former South African president's death on December 5.

There will never be words to say what I'm feeling right now. I am saddened to the depths of my soul. Truly.

— Charlize Theron (@CharlizeAfrica) December 5, 2013

A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time. I've asked for the flag at No10 to be flown at half mast.

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) December 5, 2013

Rest in peace, Mr. Mandela. Your legacy and strength will live on forever. – LR pic.twitter.com/pFzRMJlb0f

— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) December 5, 2013

It is the passing of the man, Madiba, that leaves me bereft. It is the man that I will miss and weep for. It is… http://t.co/7wDGgxeKy6

— Bantu Holomisa (@BantuHolomisa) December 5, 2013

To the Mandela family, may God keep you in perfect peace at this time. For God has chosen a soldier.… http://t.co/w10HFYUSjw

— R. Kelly (@rkelly) December 6, 2013

President Mandela's life is the closest thing we have to proof of God. http://t.co/ce8FyjCzN1 pic.twitter.com/qg6Of20xL9

— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) December 5, 2013

R.I.P. Nelson Mandela…may your principles of love be the guiding light for future generations. http://t.co/itkfciFn0f

— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) December 6, 2013

Rest in peace Nelson Mandela, you have been a role model to the world. My most sincere condolences to family and friends.

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 5, 2013

Nelson Mandela was a champion for justice & human dignity, with unmatched grace. I'll remember him as Madiba, truly an unconquerable soul.

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) December 6, 2013

I will never forget my friend Madiba. pic.twitter.com/UX21ZZG7cg

— Bill Clinton (@billclinton) December 5, 2013

A great heart is stilled. No statesman in history can match him for resilience, grace and forgiveness. Nelson Mandela, icon of our age.

— Boris Johnson (@MayorofLondon) December 5, 2013

The world's lost an iconic leader, South Africa's lost its very soul. My deepest condolences to those wonderful people. #RIPMadiba

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 5, 2013

#Mandela created @TheElders so his legacy and wonderful works can live on for centuries to come http://t.co/UxWxoMjbBv

— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) December 5, 2013

Freedom fighter, Peace activist, Uniter of Peoples, Pioneer of the Truth and Reconcilation movement #NelsonMandela pic.twitter.com/aQO1XOawrf

— Corinne Bailey Rae (@CorinneBRae) December 6, 2013

Today marks the passing of one of the greatest freedom fighters history has ever known. We love you Nelson Mandela. #ripmadiba

— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) December 5, 2013

Mandela stood for justice and truth!! Today the world lost a beautiful soul, fighter and true KING!! #RIPMandela http://t.co/Y6hCvwk49u

— Diddy (@iamdiddy) December 5, 2013

One of our GREATEST leaders… Thank you for BEING the true meaning of compassion. May you be at peace now. #RIPNelsonMandela

— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) December 5, 2013

Photo: The Apollo Theater in Harlem remembers Nelson Mandela. pic.twitter.com/OvYVgJcArD

— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) December 5, 2013

Pop & I felt your aura when we met, I feel it today & I will feel it forever. You have done so much for humanity…

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) December 6, 2013

We have lost one of humanity's greatest treasures. RIP Madiba. I will never forget the lessons learned from him or his vision that lives on.

— josh groban (@joshgroban) December 5, 2013

God Bless you Honorable Nelson Mandela! May you rest well. With Great Respect, Gratitude and Love! Lauryn

— Ms. Lauryn Hill (@MsLaurynHill) December 6, 2013

RIP Nelson Mandela. An angel that walked this earth for 95 years… http://t.co/YTFhyaBKsQ PLEASE RETWEET!

— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) December 6, 2013

Every time Melinda and I met Nelson Mandela, we left more inspired than ever. His grace and courage changed the world. This is a sad day.

— Bill Gates (@BillGates) December 5, 2013