Nelson Mandela Dies Aged 95

[*k.a.t.e*]

South Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela has died, South Africa's president says.

Mr Mandela, 95, led South Africa's transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after 27 years in prison.

He had been receiving intense home-based medical care for a lung infection after three months in hospital.

In a statement on South African national TV, Mr Zuma said Mr Mandela had "departed" and was at peace.

"Our nation has lost its greatest son," Mr Zuma said.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate was one of the world's most revered statesmen after preaching reconciliation despite being imprisoned for 27 years.

He had rarely been seen in public since officially retiring in 2004.

"What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves," Mr Zuma said.

"Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together and it is together that we will bid him farewell."

Earlier, the BBC's Mike Wooldridge, outside Mr Mandela's home in the Johannesburg suburb of Houghton, said there appeared to have been an unusually large family gathering. A number of government vehicles were there during the evening as well, our correspondent says.

Since he was released from hospital, the South African presidency repeatedly described Mr Mandela's condition as critical but stable.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and was elected South Africa's first black president in 1994. He stepped down after five years in office.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25249520

 

[pixiedust1603]

This is such sad news. He's one of the greatest men that's ever lived. R.I.P.

 

[MulletProof]

ahh...

 

[bluestar]

Knew he wasn't doing so well but he's one of those iconic guys who you feel will always be there...you know? R.I.P. you will be missed

 

[YoninahAliza]

Madiba had been ill for some time but still this news is very heartbreaking. And it is a bit painful to know that the world has lost a truly great man today. We have incredibly been blessed with his wisdom and presence and I thank dear Madiba for the courageous life he lived.

 

[Modelspiceuk]

What a sad coincidence that the premiere of Mandela is being held here, in the UK today. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

 

[Fiercification]

Truly saddening news, although somehow it was inevitable given the state of his well-being. One of the true icons of the last century. I hope that his work will go on to be remembered for generations to come.

RIP .

 

[ad31214]

Today the weather in San Francisco was ten degrees colder than normal, for some reason I can't help but correlate that with the death of such an amazing, truly inspirational man. Rest in Peace Madiba.

 

[immortalbliss]

RIP Mandela.

 

[Not Plain Jane]

I was so lucky to have seen him speak live in the 1990s. What a strong and wonderful spirit. He will be missed, but aren't we all richer for having had him?

 

[Shiru]

RIP Nelson Mandela

 

[saucer-like]

Terrible news. Rest in Peace.

 

[arlekindearrabal]

So sad such a great man has passed away. May he rest peacefully.

 

[Cold]

He lived a very meaningful life and was well accomplished and well loved by people. Cheers to him. May he rest in peace.

 

[Nymphaea]

Why do great people have to die?! RIP.

 

[lady stardust]

Rest In Peace

 

[TREVOFASHIONISTO]

You just never really imagine someone like him dying so its very surreal to hear this, he is someone that made an impact on everyone. RIP

 

[Phuel]

He was a titan.

There really is no other way to describe what a great man he was. What a legacy. He lived a purposeful life that changed the history of this world, and triumphant for it. How many people can claim such a feat? I adore him.

 

[StoneSkipper]

Although he may be dead, but his continued legacy to the history of humanity will always live on. It's sad news, but I believe he acomplished a big part of his mission. Rest in peace, Madiba.