One of the most influential political figures of the 20th century, and hero of the anti-apartheid struggle, Nelson Mandela, has died at the age of 95.
The South African icon has been receiving round-the-clock medical care from military and other doctors at his home in Johannesburg since he was discharged from a nearly three-month hospital stay for a lung infection. It’s been an uphill battle since then, and hours ago two of his granddaughters, and a close family friend Bantu Holomisa were among those close family and friends seen entering his home to bid a final farewell to the revered icon.
Not too long after, South African President Jacob Zuma confirmed the news of Mandela’s death in an emotional press conference that began 8:45am AEDT. He said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mandela family. To them we owe a debt of gratitude. They have sacrificed much and endure much so that our people could be free.”
“Our thoughts are with the millions of people across the world who embraced him. This is the moment of our deepest sorrow our nation has lost its greatest son.”
Zuma continued to tell the people of South Africa that Mandela would be farewelled at a state funeral and that the nation’s flag would fly at half mast until the funeral, saying, “Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together and it is together that we will bid him farewell. As we father to pay our last respect, let us conduct ourselves with the dignity and respect that Mandiba personified.”
“Be mindful of his wishes and the wishes of his children. May his soul rest in place, God Bless South Africa”
While this is undoubtedly tragic loss, we can take solace in the fact that, in Mandela’s own words, “When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.” (1994)
Nelson Mandela: Fifteen Inspiring Quotes
“Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end.”
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
“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. ”
“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.”
“I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now, and will do so until the end of my days.”
“If I had my time over I would do the same again, so would any man who dares call himself a man.”
“Social equality is the only basis of human happiness.”
“I came to accept that I have no right whatsoever to judge others in terms of my own customs.”
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
“Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.”
“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”
“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”
“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.”
“There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.”
Nelson Mandela Timeline
July 18, 1918 – Born Rolihlahla into Themby royal family in South Africa
1940 -Expelled from Fort Hare University College for participating in student strike
1941 – Became a mine policeman and moved to Johannesburg
1943 – Joined African National Congress
1944 – Marries trainee nurse Evelyn Mase
1952 – Opens first ever black law practice with Olivier Tambo in Johannesburg
1954 – Divorced Evelyn Mase
1956 – Arrested and charged with treason for political activism
1958 – Marries social worker Nomzamo Zaniewe Winifred “Winnie” Madilizela
1960 – Massacre of sixty-seven protesters in Sharpeville by security forces. Government vans African National Congress (ANC) and Pan African Congress and announces state of emergency.
1961 – Mandela acquitted in treason trial
1961 (December) – Mandela becomes commander-in-chief of the ANC’s newly-launched armed wing Unkhontoi we Sizwe
Watch Nelson Mandela’s first interview in 1961
1962 – Captured and sentenced to five years in prison for incitement to strike and leaving the country illegally
1963 – Charged with sabotage
1964 – Delivers famed speech from dock and is resultantly sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to Robben Island Prison off Cape Town
Listen to Nelson Mandela’s speech from the dock below
1989 – Meets president PW Botha and, later, Botha’s successor FW de Klerk
1990 – Released from prison
1991 – Elected ANC President
1992 – Separates from wife Winnie
1993 – Wins Nobel Peace Prize with De Klerk
1994 – Votes in South Africa’s first all-race elections
1994 – Inaugurated as President
Watch Nelson Mandela’s inauguration speech below
1998 – Marries Graca Machel
1999 – Steps down as President
2004 – Announces retirement from public life
2005 – Announces that his son Makgatho had died of age
2009 – Final political address made at ANC election rally (via a recorded message)
2010 – Appears at the closing ceremony of the World Cup in South Africa
2012 – Television appearance to receive symbolic flame marking the ANC Centenary
2013, July 18 – Celebrates 95th birthday in hospital
2013, December 6 – Mandela dies in his home aged 95
Image: Zimbio
