Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid icon and father of modern South Africa dies at 95

Nelson Mandela, who became one of the world’s most beloved statesmen and a colossus of the 20th century when he emerged from 27 years in prison to negotiate an end to white minority rule in South Africa, has died. 

Mr Zuma said "the nation has lost its greatest son", adding "he is now resting. He is now at peace." He died surrounded by his family at his Johannesburg home at 7:50pm Nigerian time. Mr Mandela, who was 95, will get a state funeral and national flags will be lowered to half mast, said Mr Zuma.

"Our people have lost a father," said Mr Zuma.

"Although we knew this day was going to 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, passion and humanity, earned him their love."

Nelson Mandela released from hospital

Nelson Mandela has been discharged from the Pretoria hospital where he had been receiving treatment since June, the South African president's office said Sunday.

"Madiba's condition remains critical and is at times unstable," President Jacob Zuma's office said, referring to the revered leader's clan name. "Nevertheless, his team of doctors are convinced that he will receive the same level of intensive care at his Houghton home that he received in Pretoria."

He will continue his recovery at home.

10 famous quote by Nelson Mandela you have to know

1. On society: A society is measured by its children.
"The true character of a society is revealed in how it treats its children."

2. On courage: Courage does not mean mard ko dard nahi hota. Courage means being able to look beyond your fear.
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

3. On perseverance: Things always seem really difficult just before they are accomplished.
“It always seems impossible until it's done.”

4. On freedom: Live the way you want to, but with others in consideration.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

5. On forgiveness: More than anything else, forgiveness brings peace to our own hearts.
“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”

6. On leadership: In a true leadership, others will feel they are contributing in the most meaningful way that they can.
“Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front.”ii

7. On racism: Boundaries are set after we are born. 
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

8. On life: If you give up too soon, you may never realize the glory that life has set for you.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

9. On education: If we educate our children right, society will go nowhere but up. 
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

10. On people: Its about making a connection.  
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”

Nelson Mandela Hospitalized again For Lung Infection

Barely two months after returning home, Nelson Mandela is back in the hospital for treatment of recurring lung infection. He is said to be in a "serious but stable" condition.

The 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader has been in and out of hospital several times in the last few months.

A statement from the office of current president Jacob Zuma said: "During the past few days, former President Nelson Mandela has had a recurrence of lung infection.

"This morning at about 1.30am, his condition deteriorated and he was transferred to a Pretoria hospital. He remains in a serious but stable condition.

"The former President is receiving expert medical care and doctors are doing everything possible to make him better and comfortable.

"President Jacob Zuma, on behalf of government and the nation, wishes Madiba a speedy recovery and requests the media and the public to respect the privacy of Madiba and his family."

Nelson Mandela re-admitted to hospital

Former South African President Nelson Mandela has been re-admitted to a hospital due to the recurrence of his lung infection, the country’s Presidency said on Thursday.

Asking people to pray for the 94-year-old anti-apartheid hero, the Presidency said Mr Mandela was admitted to the hospital just before midnight on Wednesday, for the third time in four months, where doctors are “ensuring that he has the best possible expert medical treatment and comfort.”

It appealed “for understanding and privacy in order to allow space to the doctors to do their work.”

Earlier in March, Mr Mandela spent a night at a Pretoria hospital where he underwent a successful medical examination.

Three months ago, he was admitted for 18 days for treatment of a recurrent lung infection and surgery to extract gallstones.

South African President Jacob Zuma has wished him a speedy recovery.

“We appeal to the people of South Africa and the world to pray for our beloved Madiba (Mandela) and his family and to keep them in their thoughts. We have full confidence in the medical team and know that they will do everything possible to ensure recovery,” he said in a statement.