South Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela has passed away last night at the age of 95. In a statement on national TV, South Africa's president Mr Jacob Zuma said that Mandela had departed and was at peace. Mandela led South Africa's transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after 27 years in prison. He was hospitalized in June this year with a recurring lung infection. He was admitted to a hospital in Pretoria and his condition became critical. He moved to his home in September but continued to receive intensive care by doctors from his home in Johannesburg.
Mr Zuma said that their nation has lost its greatest son. He said Mandela would receive a full state funeral, and flags would be flown at half-mast until state funeral. Mandela's body will be moved to a mortuary in Pretoria, and the funeral is likely to take place next Saturday (December 14). The Nobel Peace Prize laureate was one of the world's most revered statesmen after preaching reconciliation despite being imprisoned for 27 years.
Tributes for the departed leader began pouring in from around the world immediately after the announcement. President Pranab Mukherjee today expressed profound grief over the death of Nelson Mandela saying, he was an “icon of inspiration for humanity” and a “great friend of India”. In his condolence message, the President said that Mandela was a statesman, world leader and icon of inspiration of humanity. The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh also expressed condolence over Mandela's death. He said, a giant among men has passed away. Dr Singh said, this is as much India's loss as South Africa's and he was a true Gandhian. He said, Mandela's life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come.
Both the Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day today as a mark of respect to the memory of Nelson Mandela, who passed away last night. As soon as the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha met for the day, members observed silence in honour of the departed leader.
In the Lok Sabha, Speaker Meira Kumar made an obituary reference to the outstanding South African leader. Later, leaders of all political parties paid tributes to Mandela describing him as an apostle of humanity. Leader of the House and Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde described Mandela as an outstanding leader against apartheid. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said, Mandela redefined courage with his leadership. He broke the barriers of hatred to unite the people of South Africa. Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj said, Mandela will remain immortal.
In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Mohammed Hamid Ansari described Mandela as one of the greatest personalities representing the best of human spirit and values. He said, in the passing away of Mandela, the South African people have lost the father of their nation.
At the White House, a solemn President Barack Obama called Mr. Mandela an influential, courageous, and profoundly good human being. Mr. Obama reflected on how President Mandela inspired him and said a free South Africa at peace is Mr. Mandela's greatest legacy. Obama said he could not imagine his own life without the example Mandela set.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to Mandela, saying a great light has gone out in the world. UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon hailed Mandela as a giant for justice who had inspired freedom movements the world over. Mr Ban told reporters that many around the world were influenced by his selfless struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom. European Council President Herman Van Rompuy called Mandela one of the greatest political figures of our times, while European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said, Mandela changed course of history for his people, country, continent and the world.
