Former South African President and anti-apartheid hero, Nelson Mandela, died on Dec 5, 2013, at the age of 95.
Nelson Mandela passed away peacefully at his home in Johannesburg. The cause of death was a lung infection which he was receiving intensive care for.
Mandela celebrated his 86th birthday with his wife Graca Machel, left, and ex -wife Winnie Madikizela Mandela, right./ AFP Getty Images.
Madiba, an inspiration to all, was elected as President of South Africa for the year of 1994 and he retired in 1999. Prior to his election, Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years during the apartheid era. Known for his anti-apartheid activism, such as tackling institutionalized racism and inequality, Mandela guided South Africa into a nation that now institutionalizes equality. Essentially, he courageously helped South Africa transition from white-minority rule over Africans. As a result of his heroism, the Nobel Peace Prize of 1993 was awarded to Mandela and Frederik Willem de Klerk.
“Our nation has lost its greatest son,” President Jacob Zuma said in a televised address late Thursday night, adding that Mr. Mandela had died at 8:50 p.m. local time. “His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world. His humility, his compassion and his humanity earned him their love.”
Mr. Zuma called Mr. Mandela’s death “the moment of our deepest sorrow,” and said that South Africa’s thoughts were now with the former president’s family. “They have sacrificed much and endured much so that our people could be free.”
The UN Security Council in New York stood for a minute of silence/AFP/bbc.co.uk
The world sheds tears for the anti-apartheid, freedom fighter icon who dedicated his life towards freeing South Africa and its people. His outstanding and heroic contributions has earned him the respect of many. Prime Minister David Cameron recently commented on the passing of Mandela by stating that “a great light has gone out in the world.” President Barack Obama also showed his respect by depicting Mandela as “a man who took history in his hands and bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice.”
South Africans Gather Outside of Mandela's House/AFP
The world is commemorating Mandela’s life in different ways. Many Africans are showing their respect by gathering outside of Mandela’s house while others bear shirts of the governing African National Congress, a party that was once led by Mandela. President Jacob Zuma has also announced that Mandela’s life will be commemorated; he is to receive a full state funeral next Saturday. After the funeral, the hero who will never be forgotten will be moved to a mortuary in Pretoria.
Rest in Piece Nelson Mandela. You will always be remembered as the hero who brought an end to apartheid in South Africa and unified the nation while the world watched in amazement.
"The greatest glory of living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time you fall."- Nelson Mandela
Featured Image: South African Weeping for Mandela: Courtesy of BBC News
Source: huffingtonpost.com, CBC.ca, biography.com,bbc.co.uk, nytimes.com
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