JOHANNESBURG (AP) — 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. He was 95.
South African President Jacob Zuma made the announcement at a news conference late Thursday, saying "we've lost our greatest son."
His death closed the final chapter in South Africa's struggle to cast off apartheid, leaving the world with indelible memories of a man of astonishing grace and good humor. Rock concerts celebrated his birthday. Hollywood stars glorified him on screen. And his regal bearing, graying hair and raspy voice made him instantly recognizable across the globe.
As South Africa's first black president, the ex-boxer, lawyer and prisoner No. 46664 paved the way to racial reconciliation with well-chosen gestures of forgiveness. He lunched with the prosecutor who sent him to jail, sang the apartheid-era Afrikaans anthem at his inauguration, and traveled hundreds of miles to have tea with the widow of Hendrik Verwoerd, the prime minister at the time he was imprisoned.
His most memorable gesture came when he strode onto the field before the 1995 Rugby World Cup final in Johannesburg. When he came on the field in South African colors to congratulate the victorious South African team, he brought the overwhelmingly white crowd of 63,000 to its feet, chanting "Nelson! Nelson! Nelson!"
For he had marched headlong into a bastion of white Afrikanerdom — the temple of South African rugby — and made its followers feel they belonged in the new South Africa.
Comments
John 10 years, 4 months ago
He finished Martin Luther King's dream, helped to bring it to reality may his soul rest in peace
rony 10 years, 4 months ago
RIP. You was a living hero!!!
TalRussell 10 years, 4 months ago
Can't we just picture Comrade President Nelson's final moments as he sat with his God. Do not be afraid it's time for you to be set free to go in peace. God takes Comrade Nelson by the hand as he leads him ever so gently. To hear his God is Comrade Nelson's greatest reward.
Commonwealth Youth Forum - Tearful Song - Heal the World
.../ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt-URs...">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt-URs...
John 10 years, 4 months ago
Maybe the new holiday in January should each year be made " in celebration of..." and in 2014 it should be " In Celebration of the life of Nelson Mandela"
abacogrouper 10 years, 4 months ago
One of the greatest men to ever walk the face of the earth....
Honestman 10 years, 4 months ago
John F. Kennedy was revered and we even have a highway named after him in New Providence. Was that really justified? Now we have the passing of a truly great human being and statesman. Perhaps we should have a Nelson Mandela Highway?
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 4 months ago
How about the airport?
Honestman 10 years, 4 months ago
We might have a lot if Nelson Mandela airports across the world, LOL.
B_I_D___ 10 years, 4 months ago
I would gladly see and accept Nelson Mandela for our airport...get that ludicrous SLOP off of there!!
John 10 years, 4 months ago
Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jail because he opposed white majority rule..He came out of jail and to freedom hating no one. Smiling, not bitter. Today if we are stopped by the police for a traffic violation we want to destroy the world. Do you really know why Atlantis is in the Bahamas today? Study Nelson Mandela and learn.
Honestman 10 years, 4 months ago
He deserved a better legacy than the corrupt ANC. I fear for South Africa now that he is no longer there to influence and moderate. It could easily head towards the wreck and ruin of Zimbabwe for the ANC and Mugabe share the same ideology.
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 4 months ago
The most amazing thing about Nelson Mandela to me is, as much as everyone revers him, he seems to be a very simple man. He never adopted that habit of fancy suits and expensive gold watches. He was really humble, he fought for things for other people. It wasn't fake, he got a mantle of leadership that he barely wanted. I wonder if every great leader is like that? They lead because they have the calling and they can't veer from it but they don't covet the position.
evangelistilonahenry 10 years, 4 months ago
Ah death! Ah the grave! Where the mightiest of heros lie Untroubled by the raging seas when its billows roar There the slave and little lie to be troubled no more Is this the hero, who for freedom paid a price? What shall be done to thee o death? And what is thy price o grave? Is this Mandela, whom for the freedom of his people Refuseth a fading crown? With tears I bade thee good bye In the bossom of him that loveth thee Lie thou quietly, and in the victors company Thous shall smile And in their midst thou shalt know no shame. Precious in his eyes are the death of his beloved Rest thou in peace and thy soul shall be troubled no more.
digimagination 10 years, 4 months ago
Aside from anything else, he was RESPECTED and deservedly so!
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