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
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I Can't Say No To People Without Feeling Guilty
-
Let’s Talk … About Your Relationship with You!
-
This Is Why Amsterdam In The Winter Is Simply Wonderful
-
Dear Dr. Monica Vermani Being Back In The Office Is Giving Me Anxiety
-
Indian Afternoon Tea At Bobby's In Leicester UK? Yes Please!
-
Dear Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Ex Tells His Friends His Cheating Is My Fault
-
Travel The World With Tamarind Modern Indian Bistro's Global Cuisine
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Winter Depresses Me, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Parents I Don't Want To Go To Business School?
-
Fabulous Holiday Gifts For Kids
-
Why 'Heroin Chic' Is A Dangerous Trend For South Asians
-
Highlights From The South Asian Literature And Arts Festival (SALA)
-
Ask Dr Monica Vermani: Her 5 Break Up Rules You Should Know
-
Roti Chai Is The Perfect Eatery To Hit Up While Christmas Shopping
-
I Loved Visiting This Quaint Town Of Bath
-
Indian Alley Brings Delhi's Iconic Roadside Eats To Camden Market
-
This Is Why Mauritius Is A Traveller's Dream
-
"Making Happy" By Sheetal Seth Is The Book Kids Need When Their Parent Is Sick
-
International Day Of The Girl: How Women Of The Sundarbans Are Saving Their Girls
-
The Murder Of Mahsa Amini: Will The Global Outcry Make A Difference?
-
South Asian Literature And Art Festival Is Bringing Together The Biggest Names In SA Lit And Here's Why You Need To Go
-
Canada's Most Powerful Women Were Celebrated At The Women Empowerment Awards 2022
-
It's All About The Home Cooked Veg Goodness At London's Ananda Bhavan
-
What Exactly Is A NFT And Why We Need To Stop Ignoring It
-
TIFF 2022: Checking Out The Fabulous Bask-It-Style Gift Lounge
-
Gopal’s Corner Blend Malaysian And Tamil Cuisine Creating An Unforgettable Bite
-
We Celebrate National Wildlife Day With Our 5 Fave Sanctuaries In India
-
Canary Wharf Heats Up Your Palate With Chai Ki
-
Ready To Find Your Match? You'll Need These 4 Desi Dating Apps In Your Life
-
Where Does Hinduism, Islam & Sikhism Stand In The Abortion Issue?
-
Never Forget: 12 Movies & Books To Help You Continue The Partition Conversation
-
From North To South London's Award-Winning Bayleaf Restaurant Elevates Indian Cuisine At Whetstone
-
Here's Why I Fell In Love With The Sea Views Of Southampton and Portsmouth
-
Shree Krishna Vada Pav In London Celebrates India's Iconic Veggie Dishes
-
The Pope’s Apology: A Closer Look At His “Pilgrimage Of Penance"
-
Want To Go To Marrakech? This Is What I Did
-
Virtual Pageants Celebrate Inclusivity & That's Why I Love Them
-
Here's How I Spent 48 Fabulous Hours In Lille, France
-
The Dishes At Central London's Mumbai Square Will Make You Want Seconds
-
4 Hot July 2022 Tech Gadgets That You Need Now!
-
10 South Asian LGBTQIA+ Leaders Who Are Using Their Platform To Break Barriers
-
Ganapati Peckham Brings South Indian Flavours To South London
-
Sanaa: This African/Indian Restaurant Is Disney's Best Kept Secret In Orlando
-
Travel: How I Got The Most Of My Weekend In Marbella, Spain
-
Pride Month 2022: This Glossary Will Teach You All The LGBTQIA+ Terms You Need To Know In 2022
-
Platinum Jubilee: How Relevant Is The Queen To South Asians?
-
Pride Month 2022: A List Of 20 Global Resources To Help You Support Your Journey With Your LGBTQIA+ Loved Ones
-
How To Let Go Of The Past And Create The Life You Want
-
Dhamaka In New York City Lets You Explore Cuisine "From The Forgotten Side Of India"
-
Madras Chettinaad Brings The Flavours Of Tamil Nadu To Atlanta, Georgia
-
3 Must Know Signs That A Problem Exists & How To Conquer Them
-
The 4 Hottest May 2022 Tech Gadgets You Need Now
-
South Asian Heritage Month 2022: From LGBTQIA+ Rights To Senior Dating, How Our Culture Is Becoming More Inclusive
-
How To Avoid Turning Your Words Into Weapons When It Comes To Mental Health
-
Looking For A Mindful Coach? Here's How To Spot The Fakers
-
Travel: How To Get The Most From Your Weekend In Budapest
