ANGALIA PICHA MBALIMBALI ZA KUOMBOLEZA MSIBA WA NELSON MANDELA 1918 - 2013, MATUKIO YA DUNIA NZIMA LEO

Icon: Prime Minister David Cameron signs the book of condolence at the South African Embassy in central London this morning, and called him the 'hero of our time'

• Mourners have gathered outside his home and national landmarks to dance and sing in his memory
• Former president passed away home in Johannesburg. He'd spent three months in hospital with lung infection
• His body has been taken to a military hospital in Pretoria and he will later lie in state for three days
• The icon will be accorded full state funeral, the like of which has never been seen before in South Africa
• His country has started an expected eight days of mourning culminating in his burial in the village he grew up in
• South African President Jacob Zuma confirmed Mandela’s death before 9pm local time (7pm GMT) in TV address
• 'Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves’
• President Obama paid emotional tribute, saying: 'I cannot fully imagine my life without example Mandela set'
• David Cameron said a 'great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time...'
• He was discharged in September and had been receiving home-based medical attention since then
• Death came as Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended te London premiere of biopic Long Walk To Freedom

Nelson Mandela started his final journey today as his body was taken from his home in a coffin draped in the South African flag he loved so ardently.

Mourners have gathered to dance and sing songs of freedom outside his home as the world celebrated the life of the adored statesman who brought peace and equality to his country and died last night aged 95.

He passed away at home in Johannesburg at 8.50pm yesterday and his body was moved to a military hospital in Pretoria this morning, where he is under armed guard.

His beloved country has started an expected ten days of mourning, with flags flying at half mast before 'Madiba' or 'Tata' as he was devotedly called, is taken to lie in state for three days in the capital Pretoria.

Imprisoned for 27 years before becoming South Africa's first black president, his courage in the face of persecution made him the most potent symbol of the struggle against apartheid, and an inspiration to millions in his country and billions beyond.

Next Saturday a state funeral will be held and he will be buried in the Eastern Cape village of Quino, where he grew up, which is expected to be attended by world leaders including U.S. President Barack Obama and will be the biggest funeral Africa, and perhaps the world will have ever seen.

Journey: The Flag covered coffin carrying the body of former South African President Nelson Mandela is taken from his home in Johannesburg, South Africa, this morning as his beloved country began eight days of mourning

A world mourns his passing: Nelson Mandela, whose courage in the face of persecution made him the most potent symbol of the struggle against apartheid and inspired millions in his own country and around the world, died last night aged 95

Mr Mandela passed away at home after a long battle against illness. He was 95. He is pictured here accompanied by his wife Winnie walking out of Victor Verster Prison near Cape Town, a free man after 27 years of imprisonment

Final picture: Nelson Mandela seated next to current South African president Jacob Zuma at his home in April this year as he struggled with ill health

The Queen has said this morning she is 'deeply saddened' to learn of Nelson Mandela's death, saying the former South African president 'worked tirelessly for the good of his country'.

Buckingham Palace will fly the Union Flag at half staff today in his honour when Her Majesty leaves for Windsor Castle later.

'The Queen was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Nelson Mandela last night. His legacy is the peaceful South Africa we see today,' Buckingham Palace said this morning.

'Her Majesty remembers with great warmth her meetings with Mr Mandela and sends her sincere condolences to his family and the people of South Africa at this very sad time.'

Last night Mandela's death was announced in South Africa as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sat down to watch the screening of Long Walk To Freedom, the movie based on his autobiography. They were told in the auditorium in Leicester Square.

Nelson Mandela's daughter Zindzi Mandela also learnt of her father's death while watching the royal premiere.

Screams rang out in the auditorium as the news was broken to her, although the majority of fellow audience members were not informed until after the film.

The Duke of Cambridge, with Kate beside him, said: 'It was extremely sad and tragic news. We were just reminded of what an extraordinary and inspiring man Nelson Mandela was and my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family right now.'

Outpouring of emotion: People gather to pay their last respects outside former President Mandela, singing songs of freedom and celebrating the life that changed the course of their country and inspired change around the planet

Paying tribute: Mourners gather to sing and dance around a huge painting of Nelson Mandela outside the house of the late South African president Nelson Mandela as the world digests life without Nelson Mandela

A life that touched so many: A mourner touches a photograph of the late South African president outside his Johannesburg home this morning

Crowds: A woman, surrounded by children, outside the house of Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg sings a song celebrating the life of one of the world's great leaders

Sad: A mother gathers her children in her arms as they pray for the Nobel Peace Prize winner who died last night

Nation grieving: After months of illness Mandela passed away on Thursday night and families moved by what he did for their country have flocked to his homes and national monuments

First light: Through the darkness and through the night mourners have gathered to pay their respects to the statesman by leaving flowers, flags and lit candles

The Prince of Wales also paid tribute to the former South African leader.

He said: 'Mr Mandela was the embodiment of courage and reconciliation. He was also a man of great humour and had a real zest for life.

'With his passing, there will be an immense void not only in his family's lives, but also in those of all South Africans and the many others whose lives have been changed through his fight for peace, justice and freedom.

'The world has lost an inspired leader and a great man. My family and I are profoundly saddened and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.' 

Mr Mandela's efforts to heal his country after its long history of division made him one of the world¿s most loved leaders, viewed by millions of Africans as a secular saint

Despite being allowed to return home three months ago, South Africa's first black president has not been able to move from a bedroom described as being a 'virtual 24 hour intensive care unit'

Nelson Mandela whose courage in the face of persecution made him the most potent symbol of the struggle against apartheid - died last night

Magical moment: On May 10 1994, in the nation's capital Pretoria, Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the first democratically elected President and gave the nation hope

His death was announced in a televised address broadcast as the Mail was going to press, South African president Jacob Zuma said: ‘Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father.

‘What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves.’

Mr Mandela passed away at home after a long battle against illness. He was 95.

Mr Zuma said the former president would be accorded a State funeral and flags throughout South Africa would fly at half-mast until it was over.

Mr Mandela’s efforts to heal his country after its long history of division made him one of the world’s most loved leaders, viewed by millions of Africans as a secular saint. He was known in South Africa as ‘Madiba’, his clan name, which means ‘grandfather’.

Moving: Prince William paid tribute to Nelson Mandela alongside the Duchess of Cambridge following last night's film premiere of Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom, where the couple were told as they watched it

Outpouring: Monuments to 'Mandiba' in London are being surrounded by flowers and candles by those inspired by his example to the world

Piled high: A woman places flowers and reads the notes resting outside the South African embassy near Trafalgar Square

Embrace: A man with a South African scarf comforts a woman as they mourn the death 'Tata' Mandela in London

David Cameron said: ‘A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time. I have asked for the flag at No 10 to be flown at half-mast.’

The Prime Minister has signed a book of condolence at South Africa House in London this morning.

In a message, he said Mr Mandela 'will inspire generations to come'.

He wrote: 'Your cause of fighting for freedom and against discrimination, your struggle for justice, your triumph against adversity - these things will inspire generations to come.

'And through all of this, your generosity, compassion and profound sense of forgiveness have given us all lessons to learn and live by.'
He ended his message with a quote - 'Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.'

It is understood that Mr Cameron is likely to fly out to South Africa early next week to take part in a formal memorial service.

Details of how tributes will be paid to Mr Mandela in the House of Commons on Monday are expected later today.

Today Tony Blair told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that Mr Mandela had a good relationship with Britain, despite the opposition to him from parts of the establishment.

'He literally never used to let that bother him at all in terms of his regard for the country and, by the way, he was always perfectly gracious about Mrs Thatcher as well. I think he had a tremendous affection for Britain, he admired it as a country, he liked the people and I know he always used to enjoy coming.'

The former prime minister added: 'He came to represent something that was much more than just about the resolution of the issues of apartheid and of South Africa, he came to represent something quite inspirational for the future of the world and for peace and reconciliation in the 21st century.'

Former prime minister Sir John Major said Mr Mandela 'left an indelible mark on his time that few have ever equalled'.

People wishing to pay their last respects gather outside Nelson Mandela's home in Johannesburg

Crowds at Mandela's home paying their respects to the former president, who died on Thursday aged 95 and left a nation in mourning

Mourners outside Mandela's home film the occasion on their mobile phones

Dozens of journalists gathered outside Mandela's home

Tribute: As news of Mandela's death filtered out late last night, residents of Johannesburg came to the suburb where he lived to light candles in his honour

Mourners who joined the all-night vigil outside Mandela's home brought tributes with them - this man brought the front page of a newspaper commemorating his life

As dawn broke on the leafy suburb where Mandela died last night, mourners lit candles and laid flowers, flags and soft toys in a shrine for the former president

A framed portrait of the former president and flowers are placed outside Mandela's home on Friday

The vigil outside Manela's home included groups of people singing and dancing in celebration of his life

Patriotic celebration: The mood of those outside Mandela's house turned from one of grief to one of joy as mourners danced and sang songs in his honour

Rumors of Mr Mandela's increasing discomfort started circulating in the early afternoon Wednesday as increasing numbers of Mandela family members arrived at the former president's large Johannesburg home.

South Africa's president Jacob Zuma announced the long-expected death in a special television broadcast last night.

Mr Zuma said: 'Our nation has lost its greatest son.'

'What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves.

'Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together and it is together that we will bid him farewell.'

Heartfelt: David Cameron used the message from Matthew 5:9 - 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God'

Tribute: The Union and South African flags fly at half mast in Downing Street today while the Queen has also asked for the same to happen at Buckingham Palace

The White House said tonight that the president is expected to travel to South Africa for Mandela's state funeral along with other world leaders.

'He achieved more than could be expected for any man and today he's gone home,’ Obama said at a news conference. 'Madiba transformed South Africa and moved all of us- his journey from a prisoner to a president embodied the promise that humans can transform for the better.'

Mr Obama visited South Africa in June and met with the former president's family but did not personally meet with the ailing leader because his health was so poor at the time.

Hillary Clinton, former US secretary of state, said Mr Mandela was 'a champion for justice and human dignity, with unmatched grace'.

Tears: Many of those who came to pay tribute to the man who gave them their freedom brought their children with them

Brought together by grief: South African people hold hands outside Mandela's house after learning of his death at the age of 95

Tribute for our brother: People gather on Vilakazi Street in the black township of Soweto, where Mandela lived during the 1940s and 1950s

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was 95 when he passed away

People read a newspaper on Vilakazi Street in Soweto, where Mandela once lived - mourners marched around the block chanting his name

Two women console each other on Vilakazi Street in Soweto - police officers watched as mourners sang songs, held hands and swayed outside Mandela's early home

In the village of Qunu, where Mandela grew up, soldiers with armoured vehicles guarded his childhood home, but again the feeling was one of peaceful remembrance

People showing their respects to Nelson Mandela in London at South Africa House and at the Nelson Mandela statue on Parliament square

A makeshift memorial at South Africa House in London

Members of the First AME Church Freedom Mass Choir pray in honour of the late anti-apartheid leader, whose image appears on the left, during choir rehearsal on Thursday in Los Angeles, California

Mr Obama previously had a personal meeting when he was just a Senator.

He said that the very first political action in his life, let alone his career, was his participation in an anti-apartheid rally held in Mandela's honor.

'We will not likely see the likes of Nelson Mandela again, so it falls to us' to live by his example and 'make decisions not by hate but by love,' Mr Obama said in the press conference.

He said that the thoughts and prayers of the first family and the American people were with Mr Mandela's family.

'His life's work meant long days away from those who loved him most,' saying that he hoped they were able to value the last few months together.

Westminster Abbey will hold a national service of thanksgiving for the life of Mr Mandela after the state funeral in South Africa.

A book of condolence will be opened at St Margaret's Church at the Abbey from 9.30am today.

Far-reaching grief: Lungi Morrison, the granddaughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, sings after lighting a candle for Nelson Mandela outside the South African High Commission in London

Taking to the streets: South Africans stand outside the Mandela family home after the death of Nelson Mandela. Citizens of the African nation took to the streets after their revered leader's death

Mementos: Flowers, candles and tributes are left in memory of Nelson Mandela outside the South African High Commission across from Trafalgar Square in London, including a poster from the film about the leader that premiered in the UK the night of his death

Grateful nation: People sit behind burning candles for former president Nelson Mandela on hearing of his passing outside his Johannesburg home

Sad but celebratory: While many people looked sombre and visibly emotional following news of Mandela's death, others celebrated his achievements by dancing and singing

Rapt: People listen to a radio outside Mr Mandela's house as news of his death was announced by South African president Jacob Zuma

A world indebted: Press gather outside Mandela's home. World leaders across the globe learned the somber news from South Africa's President Zuma. Many of them, notably US President Barack Obama, expressed their indebtedness to the late freedom fighter

'Nelson Mandela showed us the true meaning of courage, hope, and reconciliation,' Cameron said. 'My heart goes out to his family - and to all in South Africa and around the world whose lives were changed through his courage.'

Cameron tweeted that the flag at No 10 Downing Street would be flown at half-mast.

'A great light has gone out in the world,' Cameron said. 'Nelson Mandela was a hero of out time.

Although increasingly frail, Mandela had been in an out of the hospital over the past five years, he was last rushed to hospital on June 8th this year.

A nation mourns: South African president Jacob Zuma tells the world of Mandela's passing in this screen grab of his Thursday address

'I cannot fully imagine my life without the example that Nelson Mandela set,' said President Obama at a news conference. The White House said the US president will travel to South Africa to attend Mandela's fuenral

Just before his death: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they arrived Thursday night to the UK premier of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom just before the film's inspiration and subject died at 95

The Duke and Duchess were in high spirits upon their arrival (left) to the Nelson Mandela film, unaware the great freedom fighter had died just hours before. They were discreetly told of his passing near the end of the film and left in a somber mood

Ominous timing: Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, greets Zindzi Mandela, right, and her sister Zenani, the daughters of former Nelson Mandela at the UK premier. The sisters reportedly only learned of their father's death as they watched the movie about his life

family begins to emerge: An unidentified granddaughter of former South African president Nelson Mandela leaves his house following his death in Johannesburg on Thursday

Global leader: The United Nations Security Council observes a minute of silence upon the news of the noted peacemaker's death

He was initially treated for a lung infection, but with three weeks his condition, it was announced, had turned 'critical'. The South African government has never disclosed the full extent of his illness, but reputable news sources revealed that his liver and kidneys were functioning at just 50 percent. South African media reported that he was on ventilation and undergoing regular renal dialysis. Nelson Mandela was one of the world's most admired and beloved political leaders, an icon of the redemptive power of reconciliation.

Mandela in London. South Africans took to the streets of Johannesburg in their droves to mourn former president Nelson Mandela after news of his death broke

The South African government has never disclosed the full extent of his illness, but reputable news sources revealed that his liver and kidneys were functioning at just 50 percent. South Africans took to the streets of Johannesburg in their droves to mourn former president Nelson Mandela after news of his death broke

Mourners converged on Mandela's home in the capital to light candles and pay tribute to the man who ended apartheid and gave them their freedom.
While some looked sombre and quietly said prayers following Mandela's passing, others celebrated his achievements in a loud show of patriotism and pride.
Crowds, made up of all creeds, races and religions, sang loudly together, danced and waved candles just yards from where the former president died.
Many chanted 'it's in our hands now', referring to the legacy that Mandela has left and that many of the crowd now feel is their responsibility to continue.
Hundreds of people waved South Africa flags, embraced, clapped and chanted Mr Mandela's name as they remembered their first democratically elected president.

Here UK Prime Minister David Cameron, meets with Mandela in 2006 in Johannesburg. Cameron led the UK tributes to the South African leader Thursday. 'Nelson Mandela showed us the true meaning of courage, hope, and reconciliation,' said the PM

'I STUDIED HIS WORDS AND WRITINGS': PRESIDENT OBAMA EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO MANDELA AS HE PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE LATE LEADER

OBAMA'S ENTIRE SPEECH AS FOLLOWS...
At his trial in 1964, Nelson Mandela closed his statement from the dock saying: “I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
And Nelson Mandela lived for that ideal, and he made it real. He achieved more than could be expected of any man. Today, he has gone home. And we have 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.
Through his fierce dignity and unbending will to sacrifice his own freedom for the freedom of others, Madiba transformed South Africa – and moved all of us. His journey from a prisoner to a president embodied the promise that human beings – and countries – can change for the better.
His commitment to transfer power and reconcile with those who jailed him set an example that all humanity should aspire to, whether in the lives of nations or our own personal lives. And the fact that he did it all with grace and good humour, and an ability to acknowledge his own imperfections, only makes the man that much more remarkable. As he once said, “I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.”
I am one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s life. My very first political action, the first thing I ever did that involved an issue or a policy or politics, was a protest against apartheid. I studied his words and his writings. The day that he was released from prison gave me a sense of what human beings can do when they’re guided by their hopes and not by their fears. And like so many around the globe, I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set, and so long as I live I will do what I can to learn from him.
To Graca Machel and his family, Michelle and I extend our deepest sympathy and gratitude for sharing this extraordinary man with us. His life’s work meant long days away from those who loved him the most. And I only hope that the time spent with him these last few weeks brought peace and comfort to his family.
To the people of South Africa, we draw strength from the example of renewal, and reconciliation, and resilience that you made real. A free South Africa at peace with itself – that’s an example to the world, and that’s Madiba’s legacy to the nation he loved.
We will not likely see the likes of Nelson Mandela again. So it falls to us as best we can to forward the example that he set: to make decisions guided not by hate, but by love; to never discount the difference that one person can make; to strive for a future that is worthy of his sacrifice.
For now, let us pause and give thanks for the fact that Nelson Mandela lived – a man who took history in his hands, and bent the arc of the moral universe toward justice. May God bless his memory and keep him in peace.

PARTING WORDS TO AN HISTORIC LEADER: SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA'S GOODBYE SPEECH TO NELSON MANDELA

'My fellow South Africans, our beloved Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the founding president of our democratic nation has departed.
'He passed on peacefully in the company of his family around 20.50 on December 5 2013.
'He is now resting. He is now at peace.
'Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father.
'Although we knew that this day would 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, his compassion, and his humanity earned him their love. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mandela family. To them we owe a debt of gratitude.
'They have sacrificed much and endured much so that our people could be free.
'Our thoughts are with his wife Mrs Graca Machel, his former wife Ms Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, with his children, his grandchildren, his great grandchildren and the entire family.
'Our thoughts are with his friends, comrades and colleagues who fought alongside Madiba over the course of a lifetime of struggle.
'Our thoughts are with the South African people who today mourn the loss of the one person who, more than any other, came to embody their sense of a common nationhood.
'Our thoughts are with the millions of people across the world who embraced Madiba as their own, and who saw his cause as their cause.
'This is the moment of our deepest sorrow.
'Our nation has lost its greatest son.
'Yet, what made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves.
'And in him we saw so much of ourselves.
'Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together, and it is together that we will bid him farewell.
'Our beloved Madiba will be accorded a state funeral.
'I have ordered that all flags of the Republic of South Africa be lowered to half-mast from tomorrow, December 6, and to remain at half-mast until after the funeral.
'As we gather to pay our last respects, let us conduct ourselves with the dignity and respect that Madiba personified.
'Let us be mindful of his wishes and the wishes of his family.
'As we gather, wherever we are in the country and wherever we are in the world, let us recall the values for which Madiba fought.
'Let us reaffirm his vision of a society in which none is exploited, oppressed or dispossessed by another.
'Let us commit ourselves to strive together - sparing neither strength nor courage - to build a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa.
'Let us express, each in our own way, the deep gratitude we feel for a life spent in service of the people of this country and in the cause of humanity.
'This is indeed the moment of our deepest sorrow.
'Yet it must also be the moment of our greatest determination.
'A determination to live as Madiba has lived, to strive as Madiba has strived and to not rest until we have realised his vision of a truly united South Africa, a peaceful and prosperous Africa, and a better world.
'We will always love you, Madiba!
'May your soul rest in peace.
'God Bless Africa.
'Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika.'

In London, royals, celebrities and members of Nelson Mandela's family--including his two daughters--attended the UK premiere of the biographical film of his life and were oblivious to the fact that he'd died just hours earlier.

Speaking from the Odeon cinema, Prince William said: 'I just wanted to say it's extremely sad and tragic news.

'We were just reminded what an extraordinary and inspiring man Nelson Mandela was. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. It's very sad.'

It was not clear what had happened to Mandela's daughter, including Zindzi, who appeared jovial and relaxed walking the red carpet before the premiere but seemed overcome when she got inside.

In this 2011 meeting, the first daughters Malia (left) and Sasha (right) join their mother Michelle Obama for a sit down with Mandela

Unforgettable pose: Prime Minister David Cameron meets with Mandela in 2008, as the South African leader shoots his famously endearing grin

Nelson Mandela is pictured during a visit by former U.S. president Bill Clinton on July 17, 2012 at his home in Qunu, Eastern Cape, on the eve of his 94th birthday

The former lawyer spent 27 years in apartheid prisons for his political beliefs before becoming South Africa's first black president.

His critical role in both achieving full democracy in South Africa and then keeping the peace when it arrived in 1994 earned him a Nobel Peace Prize.

But it was the magnanimity he showed his former oppressors - coupled with an intense personal charm - that has earned him admirers all over the globe.

A huge state funeral, attended by most world leaders, is expected to be held in the coming days.

Having served just one term as president of South Africa, Mr Mandela retired from public life in 2004 and has only rarely been glimpsed in public since then.

Pope John Paul II with Mandela in 1995. The former lawyer spent 27 years in apartheid prisons for his political beliefs before becoming South Africa's first black president

Mandela and Princess Diana speak with the press after meeting in the Mandela's home, Genadendal, in Cape Town, South Africa

Late singer Whitney Houston cuddles up to Pres Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings in Pretoria

His last public appearance was at football's 2010 World Cup final when his wife had to support his arm to allow him to wave to the crowd.

As well as receiving treatment for prostate cancer, stomach pain and problems with his eyes, Mandela's most persistent medical problems have been respiratory.

He damaged his lungs and contracted tuberculosis while digging in a lime quarry during the 18 years he spent imprisoned on the notorious Robben Island, outside Cape Town.

He has been admitted to hospital numerous times over past decade - and five times since December last year.

He underwent treatment for, among other things, a respiratory disorder, a 'long-standing abdominal complaint', gallstones and, in April this year, for the removal of fluid from his lungs.

Such is Mandela's popularity in South Africa - where he is lionised for his role in healing the country's racial divides - that many public figures have tried to attach themselves to the former African National Congress (ANC) leader's legacy.

Jacob Zuma's decision, last April, to allow himself to be filmed standing next to an unsmiling, expressionless Mandela in hospital drew much adverse comment, including from Mandela's family.

The ANC's main political opposition, the Democratic Alliance, has also been accused of trying to 'hijack' his legacy by highlighting its historical connection to the man most South African refer to by his clan name Madiba.

Upcoming release: A still from The Weinstein Company shows Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela in the upcoming film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

A still Idris Elba, left, as Nelson Mandela, and Riaad Moosa, as Mandela's fellow political prisoner Ahmed Kathrada, in the biographical film. The film premier in the UK the night Mandela died

On conviction, he and his fellow defendants escaped the gallows, but were sentenced to life imprisonment.

He spent the next 27 years behind bars, 18 of them on the notorious Robben Island, near Cape Town.

The film documenting parts of this struggle, Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, stars Idris Elba as Mandela and Naomie Harris as his former wife Winnie.

In recent years various family members and friends have argued about how best to maintain his legacy. The disputes are now likely to worsen.

His marriage to Winnie had fallen apart after his release and he was now married to Graca Machel, the widowed former first lady of neighboring Mozambique.

He is survived by Machel; his daughter Makaziwe by his first marriage, and daughters Zindzi and Zenani by his second.
While some political commentators have expressed a fear that Mandela's death could destabilise South Africa by re-opening racial wounds, most South Africans are well used to the idea of his passing.

NELSON MANDELA: THE ANTI-APARTHEID FIGHTER WHO WENT TO PRISON FOR THE CAUSE

1960 69 peaceful protesters are killed by police in the Sharpeville Massacre; in the aftermath the ANC is banned, prompting Mandela to go into hiding. While in hiding he forms an underground military group with armed resistance
1962 After living on the run for seventeen months he is arrested on August 5 and imprisoned in the Johannesburg Fort. On October 25 he is sentenced to five years in prison but again goes on the run
1964 On June 12 Mandela is captured and convicted of sabotage and treason. He is sentenced to life imprisonment at the age of 46, initially on Robben island where he would be kept for 18 years
1968 His mother dies and his eldest son is killed in a car crash but he is not allowed to attend either of the funerals
1980 The exiled Oliver Tambo launches an international campaign for the release of his friend
1986 Sanctions against South Africa are tightened, costing millions in revenue
1990 On February 11, Nelson Mandela is released from prison after 27 years. He had served the last part of his sentence in Victor Verster Prison in Paarl.
President De Klerk lifts the ban on the African National Congress (ANC). The ANC and the white National Party begin talks on forming a multi-racial democracy for South Africa.
1991 Mandela becomes President of the ANC. The International Olympic Committee lift a 21-year ban on South African athletes competing in the Olympic Games.
1992 He separates from Winnie Mandela after she is convicted of kidnapping and being an accessory to assault. The following March they divorce.
1993 Nelson Mandela and Mr de Klerk are awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
1994 April 26 Free Elections where black South Africans are allowed to vote for the first time. Nelson Mandela runs for President and the ANC win 252 of the 400 seats in the national assembly
May Mandela is inaugurated as the first black president of South Africa. He appoints de Klerk as deputy president and forms the racially mixed Government of National Unity.
1995 South Africa hosts the 1995 Rugby World Cup and South Africa wins. Nelson Mandela wears a Springbok shirt when he presents the trophy to Afrikaner captain Francois Pienaar. This gesture was seen as a major step in the reconciliation of white and black South Africans.
1998 Marries Graca Machel, the widow of the former president of Mozambique, on his 80th birthday.
1999 Relinquishes presidency in favour of Thabo Mbeki, who was nominated ANC president in 1997.
2001 Nelson Mandela was diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer
2004 June: Nelson Mandela announced that he would be retiring from public life at the age of 85
2005 His son, Makgatho Mandela died of AIDS
2010 Mandela makes a rare public appearance at the football World Cup in South Africa
2012 An increasingly frail Mandela is admitted to hospital twice in February and December
Source: www.history-timelines.org.uk

Indeed, most serious political analysts in the country recognise that Mr Mandela's death is unlikely to create a political shockwave.

More significant, they say, may be the fact that without Mandela's immense moral authority, the ruling ANC party may be more vulnerable to charges of corruption and incompetence.

Mandela, who is generally considered to be 'the father' of modern South Africa, has said that his greatest regret has been his failure to have raised his own children.

He married three times. Two wives remain alive: his ex wife Winnie and Graca Machel. He has three remaining children, another four step children, 17 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

He was born into African aristocracy, a descendant of kings of the Thembu people, in Transkeiin 1918.

His father had four wives, among whom his mother ranked third.

He was the first of his family to attend school, and it was his teacher who gave him the English name Nelson in place of his given name, Rolihlahla.

At 19, he attended Fort Hare University, where he soon became involved in student politics - or rather, in organising a boycott of them.

Rejecting a marriage arranged for him by his tribal elders, he became briefly a mine guard, then was articled to a Johannesburg law firm.

He began living in the Alexandra black township, and started law studies at Witwatersrand University, where he met fellow students and future political activists Ruth First, Joe Slovo and Harry Schwarz.

In the early 1950s, Mandela became deeply involved in radical resistance to apartheid, while he and fellow-activist Oliver Tambo ran a law firm, offering cheap advice to township residents.

Mandela was initially an admirer of India’s Mahatma Gandhi, committed to non-violent resistance. Yet in 1956, he and 150 others were arrested and charged with treason.

QUOTES FROM A GREAT MAN: UNFORGETTABLE WORDS SPOKEN BY NELSON MANDELA THAT HELPED TO SHAPE THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

‘What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.’
‘If people can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite’.
‘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’.
‘Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another’.
‘The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.’
‘Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.’
‘If I had my time over I would do the same again. So would any man who dares call himself a man.’
‘There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.’
‘It always seems impossible until it is done.’
‘It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.’
‘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.’