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| Nelson Mandela |
Nelson Mandela, the revered statesman who emerged from prison after 27 years to lead South Africa out of decades of apartheid, has died. He was 95.
“He is now resting. He is now at peace,” South African President Jacob Zuma, announced late on Thursday.
“Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father,” Zuma said, adding that “what made Mandela great was precisely what made him human.”
According to the Cable News Network, the President, who ordered all all flags in South Africa to be flown at half-staff from Friday(today), said, “We saw in Madiba what we seek in ourselves.”
Mandela battled health issues in recent months, including a recurring lung infection that led to numerous hospitalisations.
With advancing age and bouts of illness, he retreated to a quiet life at his boyhood home in Eastern Cape Province, where he said he was most at peace.
Despite rare public appearances, he held a special place in the consciousness of the nation and the world.
Nelson Mandela left an estate valued at more than 46 million rand ($4.13m; £2.53m), a public reading of his will has revealed.
