Former South African President Nelson Mandela — famous for his fight to end the racist policy of apartheid — died today at the age of 95.Mandela’s health had been in steep decline over the past few months — he was hospitalized on June 8 for kidney and liver problems and had been on life support. Doctors also said he had a recurring lung infection.
The President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, had said Mandela was “well looked after” and “comfortable” during his final days. Mandela became an international figure during his 27 years in prison for conspiring to overthrow South Africa’s government. He was released in 1990, and won the Nobel Peace Prize in ’93.
In 1994 Mandela helped orchestrate South Africa’s first multi-racial election and became the country’s first Black president. Over the years, Mandela’s been portrayed by several major actors including Sidney Poitier, Morgan Freeman, Dennis Haysbert, Danny Glover and Idris Elba. He also made a cameo as a teacher in Spike Lee’s 1992 flick “Malcolm X.”R.I.P.
President Jacob Zuma said flags will be flown at half-mast across South Africa immediately with a state burial to follow. The UK government have also announced that flags will be flown at half-mast in the UK. Rest in peace, Madiba!
South Africans sure will miss him more.
Long Live Nelson Mandela 1918 – 2013.
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