Adieu Madiba!

Nelson Mandela, known as the icon of Anti-apartheid movement and former President of South Africa has died at age 95.

According to South African President, Jacob Zuma, "He passed on peacefully in the company of his family around 20.50pm on December 5."  

"We will always love Madiba for teaching us that it is possible to overcome hatred and anger in order to build a new nation and a new society. Our nation has lost its greatest son," Zuma said.

Once the world's most famous political prisoner, Mandela emerged from a 27-year jail term in 1990 to lead South Africa from apartheid to democracy making him the first black President of South Africa.

His charisma, generosity of spirit, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of his fellow humans, earned him love and acclaim across the globe.

It also earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

Even after he stepped down from the presidency in 1999, he continued as an elder statesman to champion the cause of reconciliation, peace and human rights, speaking out strongly on issues including Aids and armed conflict.

Nelson Rolihlahla Dalibungha Mandela was born in the Transkei on July 18, 1918, and trained as a lawyer. He became a key figure in the African National Congress (ANC) and its decision in 1955 to embark on organised resistance to the newly-elected National Party in the form of the Defiance Campaign.

US President, Mr. Barack Obama in his condolence mage to the people of South Africans said “I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example Nelson Mandela set," 

Meanwhile, leaders across the world have begun to send condolence messages to the South Africans as the South African President declares 10 days of mourning.