Ramaphosa hails Pele as 'global inspiration'
President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed Brazillian football icon Pele as an inspiration and champion of peace.
The three-time World Cup winner died on Thursday at a hospital in Sao Paulo.
He was 82 years old.
It's understood he suffered multiple organ failures after a battle with colon cancer.
In a statement, the president said Pele dazzled both fans and competitors alike with a skillful and entertaining style of play.
He was a campaigner for improved social conditions in his home country and internationally.
READ: 'Pele transformed football into art': Neymar leads tributes to Brazil legend
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says Ramaphosa has conveyed his condolences to Pele's family and the President of Brazil.
"During the eight decades of his life, Pelé not only filled football stadiums with exhilaration but he filled hearts and homes with hope and the knowledge that adversity was surmountable.
"He was a global inspiration who embodied the best that sport has to offer as an exhibition of physical endeavour and as a means to transform individuals and entire societies from within.
"Pelé will be missed by multiple generations of people worldwide who were touched by his life even if they never set foot in a stadium."
