Former South African president and leader of the country's anti-apartheid revolution Nelson Mandela has passed away today at the age of 95.
The news was confirmed by South Africa's current president, Jacob Zuma, today. "He is now resting," Zuma said. "He is now at peace...our nation as lost his greatest son, our people have lost their father."
Mandela was a revolutionary figure in South Africa's transition from the literal and systemic white-minority South African rule known as apartheid, and in bringing democracy to the country after spending 27 years in prison before becoming the country's first black president.
Mandela had been struggling with his health in recent years, and was admitted to a hospital on numerous occasions as he battled a recurring lung infection.
A state funeral for Mandela will reportedly be held in the coming days.
[via BBC News]
