Former South African President Nelson Mandela, who served 27 years in prison for anti-apartheid activities and led his country into democracy and a new era, and became its first black president, died Thursday in his home at age 95.
“He is now resting,” said South African President Jacob Zuma. “He is now at peace.”
“Our nation has lost its greatest son,” he continued. “Our people have lost a father.”
A state funeral will be held, and Zuma called for mourners to conduct themselves with “the dignity and respect” that Mandela personified.
“Wherever we are in the country, wherever we are in the world … let us reaffirm his vision of a society in which none is exploited, oppressed or dispossessed by another,” he said as tributes began pouring in from across the world.
