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Words of praise for the late Nelson Mandela are pouring in from around the world, including Southeastern Massachusetts.

Sala Matteos of Fairhaven is an admirer of Mandela, and during the 1970's he spent time in Africa fighting oppression in that continent.  Matteos tells WBSM News,  Mandela was a special man....

After serving 27 years in prison, Mandela became the symbol of resistance for the anti-apartheid movement.  He worked tirelessly to abolish the legal segreation of the National Party.  He was elected the first black President of South Africa in 1994.

Gov. Deval Patrick called the anti-apartheid leader ``a remarkable and inspiring example of resilience, persistence, determination and grace, in his time and for all time.''

In a statement at the White House, President Obama said Mandela has "gone home."  He said 95-year-old Mandela was one of the most influential and courageous people to ever walk the earth.

(Information from Metro Networks Inc. was included in this report)

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