Nelson Mandela and Michael JacksonThe Nelson Mandela Foundation joined the world in sending condolences on the passing of pop sensation Michael Jackson.

"The Nelson Mandela Foundation regrets the untimely passing of Michael Jackson. His loss will be felt by his fans worldwide," Achmat Dangor, chief executive officer of the Foundation, said today.

Mandela met Jackson when he visited South Africa in 1999 to receive a lifetime achievement award during the Kora All Africa Music Awards in Sun City.

Jackson made a donation to the Nelson Mandela Foundation which was created by Mandela to promote his charitable work for Children.

Two years earlier, during his "HIStory" tour, he played a concert in South Africa's port city of Durban.

Radio stations in South Africa played Jackson's songs throughout the morning as fans phoned in to express their shock at the death of the singer and philanthropist, who co-wrote the charity song We are the World with fellow singer Lionel Richie in aid of Africa.

One radio presenter noted a South African woman had sung backing vocals on the star's Liberian Girl hit.

"The world has lost one of its greats," South Africa's Independent Newspapers lamented.

AFP/DPA/SAvibes

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