Nelson Mandela is dead.

[Galen 1,353]

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

 

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.

 

He said Mr Mandela would receive a full state funeral, and flags would be flown at half-mast.

 

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."

 

UK Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to Mr Mandela, saying "a great light has gone out in the world".

 

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.

 

I'm sorry if this kind of thread is not supposed to be here, and if the mods think this is better placed elsewhere, please feel free to move it or remove it, but it needed to be posted. Nelson Mandela was a hero for his country and for black society as a whole throughout the world in his fight for freedom and equality between the two races in South Africa. He fought for his beliefs in his way and was incredibly successful. His historic passing and the struggles he went through in his life will never be forgotten. Good night, sweet prince.

Edited December 5, 2013 by Freedan

[Dark Qiviut 22,177]

After reading the reports of his frail condition over the past few months, this was coming. But this doesn't change how sad this is. He battled hard to bring democracy to South Africa, end the oppressive Apartheid regime, and then transcend the country and continent into the twenty-first century through his presidency (his goal to reunite the black majority with a white minority that oppressed the country for so long), support for the national rugby team during the 1995 World Cup in South Africa, and support for the 2010 World Cup of Football. This man helped bring South Africa out of a world that kept them isolated via Apartheid and did so many great things that brought the whole country to the global stage and the modern world.

 

He accomplished so much during his long life, and this great man will forever be missed. May his legacy forever live on in South Africa, all of Africa, and around the world. R.I.P., Nelson Mandela.

Edited December 5, 2013 by Dark Qiviut

[Galen 1,353]

 

 

After reading the reports of his frail condition over the past few months, this was coming.

 

Indeed. Sadly all the signs were there that his time was coming, but at least it is heartwarming to know that in the end, he was satisfied with what he accomplished and left this world in peace. He lived a very long life in the end, full of struggles, but always did he rise up to meet the problems he faced.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,809]

Well...the day has finally came. Nelson Mandela has passed away. He will surely be missed. 

 

From spending a whole 27 years in jail, to becoming one of the most prolific men in history, Mandela truly changed the world. 

[ReverseFaller 2,483]

He was a man of many accomplishments. He'll be missed. I hope that racial violence doesn't break out in South Africa now that he's dead.

 

RIP Mandela

Edited December 6, 2013 by Digital Tears

[123457 51]

RIP he changed the world in 27 years my he redt in peace

[Fluttershyfan94 5,738]

He'll be missed, he has truly had an impact on the world and he will be remembered. Rest in peace Nelson.

[Doc. Volt 2,561]

one of the best.. R.I.P. fellow dreamer.. you made the impossible real.. maybe a day this world will be like you wished

[CT-1138 3,180]

RIP to an equal rights activist as legendary as Dr. King or Mahatma Gandhi. The man did great work, and may his legacy continue to do great work, for the people of South Africa.

[CT-1138 3,180]

RIP to an equal rights activist as legendary as Dr. King or Mahatma Gandhi. The man did great work, and may his legacy continue to do great work, for the people of South Africa. At 95, he lived a well filled life, with many many great accomplishments. 

[Creamy Arty 6,251]

, this thread about Nelson Mandela was slightly older than yours, so I've merged the two. Just letting you know.

[N.W. 3,619]

Rest In Peace Mr Mandela, it is my hope your teachings may inspire many generations to come.

Several Good Articles on Him

http://rt.com/op-edge/mandela-legacy-abused-cameron-obama-846/

http://rt.com/news/nelson-mandela-life-quotes-789/

[Spikey-Wikey 378]

Everyone dies sometime in their life, no one has to be sad.

[Paper Willow 28]

I was kind of glad to hear due to his condition. A good man like that deserves a swift and peaceful death.

[Scootalove 10,684]

After hearing about his condition over the past few weeks and having to be hospitalized leading up to his death, there were signs of this happening overall he will be missed as another activist who fought for the equal rights of African Americans and Africa. He will be solely missed.