US President Barack Obama is to travel to South Africa next week to participate in memorial events for Nelson Mandela.

A White House aide said Mr Obama and his wife Michelle would be "paying their respects to the memory of Nelson Mandela"

South African President Jacob Zuma said Mr Mandela would be laid to rest next weekend at his ancestral home in South Africa's Eastern Cape.

He will also be honoured at a memorial service on Tuesday at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium, site of the 2010 World Cup final.

As tributes flowed in from around the world, South Africans yesterday united in mourning for Mr Mandela.

Most celebrated his remarkable life with dance and song but others fretted that his death would make the nation vulnerable again to racial and social tensions.

F W de Klerk, South Africa's last apartheid-era president, described Mr Mandela as a "very human person" with a sense of humour who took interest in people around him.

The two men negotiated the end of apartheid, finding common cause in often tense circumstances, and shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

In summarising Mr Mandela's legacy, Mr de Klerk said: "Never and never again should there be in South Africa the suppression of anyone by another."

The former Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town Desmond Tutu, said that like all South Africans he was "devastated" by Mandela's death.

"Let us give him the gift of a South Africa united," Tutu said.

Former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, an old ally in the fight against apartheid, hailed him as "a great freedom fighter".

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad mourned Mandela's death, calling his life an inspiration for freedom fighters.

He called the South African statesman "an inspiration in the values of love and human brotherhood".

South Africa's representative on the International Olympic Committee, Sam Ramsamy, said he wanted to nation to host the Olympics in South Africa so that he can fulfil one of Nelson Mandela's last wishes.

He said: "Like everyone else we are grieved tremendously. But this is not the time to be mourning. This is a time to celebrate the achievements of Nelson Mandela, there are too many to record.

"He always stated that sport is a uniting factor, it is a universal language, it is a non-verbal language. He always said sports can transmit to very many people which no politician can do. And that we will always remember.

"When I last spoke with him, about eight months ago, he said 'Sam, when are we going to get the Olympic Games'?"

Pope Francis praised Mr Mandela's commitment to non-violence, reconciliation and truth.

He said: "I pray that the late president's example will inspire generations of South Africans to put justice and the common good at the forefront of their political aspirations.

He praised "the steadfast commitment shown by Nelson Mandela in promoting the human dignity of all the nation's citizens".

There were many tributes from the world of sport.

Boxing great Muhammad Ali said: "He made us realise, we are our brother's keeper and that our brothers come in all colours.

"He taught us forgiveness on a grand scale. His was a spirit born free, destined to soar above the rainbows. Today his spirit is soaring through the heavens. He is now forever free."

Golfer Tiger Woods said: "Pop and I felt your aura when we met you. I feel it today and I will feel it forever. You have done so much for humanity."

England footballer David Beckham said: "We have lost a true gentleman and a courageous human being."

West Indian cricketer Brian Lara said: "You will forever be remembered for your indomitable spirit, incomparable honour and courage."

South African golfer Ernie Els, clearly emotional, said: "It is a very sad day. We have lost one of the iconic leaders of our time.

"He fought for what he believed in, went to prison for so many years and came out to lead our country".

And Brazilian football legend Pele said: "Let us continue his legacy with purpose and passion."

Irish musician Sir Bob Geldof said: "History stops, kneels and bows its head. His like is rare in all of human history."

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said Mr Mandela was his hero.

He said: "In the hard years when the western powers were against him, when he was vilified as a terrorist and a criminal, he kept the faith. He showed by perseverance and vision how to build peace out of conflict, a better and more equal future based on fairness, and unity out of division."