There can be no surprise that people in the Bradford district have been queuing up to sign books of condolence following the death of Nelson Mandela. The incredible reaction to his passing across the world shows what a true colossus of the 20th century the man really was.

Across the globe, millions are mourning the loss of his strength, his compassion, his spirit, his inspiration, and his indefatigable enthusiasm and appetite for life.

Even such small tributes in a corner of the world far removed from South Africa indicate the way Mandela not only changed the face of his country forever but was perhaps the most significant figure of the 20th century in the fight for racial equality around the world.

His passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of many but his legacy is a united South Africa.

Those who remember the protests in the late ’70s and early ’80s against the apartheid regime in that country will recall that few really believed there could ever be a peaceful reconciliation of the ruling white minority and the oppressed black majority.

Mr Mandela, with the help of then President of South Africa FW de Klerk, who released him from prison after 30 years, unified the nation in a way few believed would be possible.

His country will mourn the loss of its greatest leader, and the world will mourn the loss of a genuine global icon. But it is telling that within hours, the sadness was tempered by moments of joy and exuberance as people celebrated his life rather than simply grieved his death.

The death of Nelson Mandela is like a sun setting on the whole world at once – and the greatest tribute we all can pay is to ensure the afterglow shows humanity the way ahead for eternity.