Nelson Mandela, South Africa's anti-apartheid icon, dies aged 95

 

Nelson Mandela, the global statesman who delivered South Africa from the dark days of apartheid, has died aged 95. Mr Mandela had suffered from a series of lung infections over the past two years and died at home in the company of his family.

The news of his passing was made in a statement made by South African President Jacob Zuma which was broadcast on national TV. "Our nation has lost its greatest son," said Mr Zuma, who praised the Mandela family for sacrificing so much.

 

Mandela became an international figure during his 27 years in prison for conspiring to overthrow South Africa's government. He was released in 1990, and won the Nobel Peace Prize in '93.

In 1994 Mandela helped orchestrate South Africa's first multi-racial election -- and became the country's first Black president.

 

R.I.P.....