Anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela dies at 95

South African President Jacob Zuma announced that Mandela, "the founding president of our democratic nation, has departed," adding that he "passed on peacefully".

Nelson Mandela, South Africa' first black president, has died at the age of 95, after years of declining health. The news was confirmed by the South African President Jacob Zuma: "The founding president of our democratic nation, has departed," said Zuma, adding that he "passed on peacefully". Mandela was an icon and leader of the anti-apartheid movement. Worldwide icon, Mandela died of pulmonary complicationsMandela was hospitalized for three months in 2013 with a pulmonary infection. He was discharged in September, and begun treatment at home, surrounded by his family. The last images from the ex-president are from April, where he appeared very fragile in a chair, with a blanket covering his legs.

"Our nation has lost its greatest son", said President Zuma in a televised statement. He added that Mandela had died at 8:50 pm, in local time. "His humility, his compassion and his humanity earned him our love", added. The president remembered the history of Mandela and said that the South Africa's thoughts and prayers are with the family of the former president. "They have sacrificed much and endured much so that our people could be free"."Madiba", as he was well-known, died surrounded by relatives. He was the leader of the African National Congress, which was victorious in 1994 in the first democratic election in the history of the country. Responsible by the end of the racial segregation regimen in South Africa, Mandela earned the respect of critics and adversaries with his peace-seeking efforts, winning a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

From a noble south-African family, Mandela spent 27 years in prison, convicted of treason by the government, a consequence of his never-ending fight for freedom, democracy and racial equality. Raised by his family to become a tribal leader, Mandela refused the opportunity and left to Johannesburg to study Law and work in politics. With friends, he founded the African National Congress Youth League (Ancyl) of the African National Congress.

In prison, Mandela didn't have contact with the outside world because he wasn't allowed to receive newspaper or any form of information. But even while arrested, Mandela was not forgotten. On the day he was allowed to leave prison, he was greeted by a huge crowd. That day, when Mandela shouted "Power", a chorus of protesters responded with "For the people".

Mandela's election made South African history, defining a new country and starting a process of reconciliation between oppressed and oppressors. He had been struggling with his health for years, been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001. Despite getting treated for the disease at the time, he still campaigned for the eradication of HIV in South Africa, a public health issue.

[[saiba_mais]]