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."

Happy 95th Birthday to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (born 18 July 1918) is a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the first black South African to hold the office, and the first elected in a fully representative, multiracial election.

Happy Birthday Madiba!

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.