Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela has died at the age of 95.
The first democratically elected President of South Africa died peacefully at his home, in Houghton, on Thursday evening.
President of South Africa Jacob Zuma announced Mandela’s death to the country just before midnight, on Thursday.
He said: “Our beloved Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the founding President of our democratic nation, has departed.
“He passed on peacefully in the company of his family, at around 8.50pm on December 5.
“He is now resting.
“He is now at peace.
“Our nation has lost its greatest son.
“Our people have lost a father.
“Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss.
“His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world.
“His humility, his compassion, and his humanity earned him their love.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mandela family.”
Zuma said Mandela will receive a state funeral.
He has ordered all flags to fly at half-mast from today till after Mandela’s funeral.
Many people will remember Mandela for various reasons.
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