he former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, died today at 95. He had been receiving intensive care at home following a lung infection.

Earlier in the day, a large group of friends and family arrived at Mandela’s home, which fuelled speculation that Mandela’s health had taken a turn for the worse.

Jacob Zuma, the current president of the country, said in a televised address following Mandela’s death: “Our nation has lost its greatest son.”

Mandela spent 27 years doing hard labour in prison, much of it on Robben Island, during the era of apartheid before becoming the first black president of South Africa in 1994. He spent five years as president but has become recognised the world over as a visionary and moral leader. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

Read more: wikinews.org