Nelson Mandela dies at 95

The former South African president died on Dec. 5 at the age of 95. He will be greatly missed. The current president Jacob Zuma announced the passing at 8:50pm local time in South Africa.

the father of a nation

Nelson Mandela sadly passed away on Dec.5, 2013 at home in Houghton, South Africa. He had been suffering from a recurring lung infection and was frequently in the hospital over the last year. The revolutionary leader fought passionately against the injustice of apartheid and later dedicated himself to bringing the South African nation together peacefully after apartheid was abolished. He leaves behind an incredible legacy and will not be forgotten.

Nelson Mandela Dead — ‘Will Sleep for Eternity’

In an interview for the documentary, Mandela (1996), Nelson said, “Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made

that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.” Nelson truly committed himself to making the world a better place, and he succeeded.

Nelson was survived by his third wife, Graça Machel, three children, 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Nelson Mandela’s Accomplishments

Nelson is credited for establishing South Africa’s democracy. After serving 27 years in prison for fighting apartheid, he became a major international figure. Along with the F.W. de Klerk, the South African President in 1993, Nelson won the Nobel Peace Prize.

In 1994, Nelson was elected as the president of South Africa, and served one term, through 1999. He became an icon and a greatly admired leader. In 2012, South Africa printed a new set of banknotes, featuring Nelson smiling on the front of them as a tribute to him.

“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination,” Nelson once said, which means that he was one of the best combinations.

Even after Nelson’s presidency was over, he remained active in mediating conflicts from Africa to the Middle East.

President Barack Obama, Muhammad Ali & Other Celebrities Remember Mandela

“We’ve lost one of the most influential courageous and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this Earth. He no longer belongs to us, he belongs to the ages,” President Barack Obama said in a press conference. “Today, he has gone home.”

“So long as I live, I will do what I can to learn from him,” the president continued before extending his sympathy to his loved ones. “I only hope that the time spent with him these last few weeks have brought them peace and comfort.”

“Let us pause and give thanks that Nelson Mandela lived.”

Former professional boxer Muhammad Ali also released a touching statement praising the late leader on Dec. 5:

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Mandela. His was a life filled with purpose and hope; hope for himself, his country and the world. He inspired others to reach for what appeared to be impossible and moved them to break through the barriers that held them hostage mentally, physically, socially and economically. He made us realize, we are our brother’s keeper and that our brothers come in all colors. What I will remember most about Mr.Mandela is that he was a man whose heart, soul and spirit could not be contained or restrained by racial and economic injustices, metal bars or the burden of hate and revenge. He taught us forgiveness on a grand scale. His was a spirit born free, destined to soar above the rainbows. Today his spirit is soaring through the heavens. He is now forever free.

Actor Morgan Freeman released a statement about Nelson’s passing, saying:

Today the world lost one of the true giants of the past century. Nelson Mandela was a man of incomparable honor, unconquerable strength, and unyielding resolve—a saint to many, a hero to all who treasure liberty, freedom and the dignity of humankind. As we remember his triumphs, let us, in his memory, not just reflect on how far we’ve come, but on how far we have to go. Madiba may no longer be with us, but his journey continues on with me and with all of us.

 Hollywood actor and director Clint Eastwood, who directed a biopic about Nelson Mandela, has paid tribute to the late former South African president.

"I will never forget the day I met him and experienced first-hand his indomitable spirit and warm, charismatic smile," Eastwood said.

"What he went through and what he accomplished will never be forgotten."

 Former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has, like Evander Holyfield, posted a photograph of himself with Nelson Mandela on Twitter.

Iron Mike accompanied the photo with a message which read: "I'm hearing about Nelson Mandela's death while on African soil in Oran, Algeria.

"Sending prayers to Mandela's family.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been speaking to the BBC World Service about the time Nelson Mandela visited Downing Street.

Mr Blair said: "He would talk to the people on the door, to the people making the tea.

"He had an incredible way about him.

"It wasn't just what he did, it was the way that he did it."

 FIFA President Sepp Blatter described Nelson Mandela as a "friend".

Blatter added: "It is in deep mourning that I pay my respects to an extraordinary person, probably one of the greatest humanists of our time and a dear friend of mine: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

"He and I shared an unwavering belief in the extraordinary power of football to unite people in peace and friendship, and to teach basic social and educational values as a school of life.

"When he was honoured and cheered by the crowd at Johannesburg’s Soccer City stadium on 11 July 2010, it was as a man of the people, a man of their hearts, and it was one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced.

"For him, the World Cup in South Africa truly was a dream come true.

"Nelson Mandela will stay in our hearts forever.

"The memories of his remarkable fight against oppression, his incredible charisma and his positive values will live on in us and with us.

"As a mark of respect and mourning, the flags of the 209 member associations at the Home of FIFA will be flown at half-mast and there will be a minute's silence before the next round of international matches."

 Hollywood actor and Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger said: “I will never forget the time I spent with President Mandela.

“Even before I met him, he was one of my heroes. But during the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics in South Africa, I had the opportunity to stand with him in his former jail cell at Robben Island to light the torch, and his legend grew before my eyes.

“He told me about his struggles, his time in captivity, his persecution and oppression. Most people would have had nothing in their heart but revenge, but all President Mandela had was forgiveness.

“He is the definition of serving a cause greater than self. He singlehandedly reunited his nation, because he had a vision of the future that should inspire all of us.

“President Mandela’s life is the closest thing we have to proof of God. I will never be able to thank him enough for his inspiration.

“Today, each of us should commit to do at least one small thing to improve the planet in his honour. Give back. Help someone. Change the world.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the people of South Africa.”