Thursday, December 5, 2013
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Nelson Mandela, who became one of the world's most beloved statesmen and a colossus of the 20th century when he emerged from 27 years in prison to negotiate an end to white minority rule in South Africa, has died. He was 95.
South African President Jacob Zuma made the announcement at a news conference late Thursday, saying "we've lost our greatest son."
His death closed the final chapter in South Africa's struggle to cast off apartheid, leaving the world with indelible memories of a man of astonishing grace and good humor. Rock concerts celebrated his birthday. Hollywood stars glorified him on screen. And his regal bearing, graying hair and raspy voice made him instantly recognizable across the globe.
As South Africa's first black president, the ex-boxer, lawyer and prisoner No. 46664 paved the way to racial reconciliation with well-chosen gestures of forgiveness. He lunched with the prosecutor who sent him to jail, sang the apartheid-era Afrikaans anthem at his inauguration, and traveled hundreds of miles to have tea with the widow of Hendrik Verwoerd, the prime minister at the time he was imprisoned.
His most memorable gesture came when he strode onto the field before the 1995 Rugby World Cup final in Johannesburg. When he came on the field in South African colors to congratulate the victorious South African team, he brought the overwhelmingly white crowd of 63,000 to its feet, chanting "Nelson! Nelson! Nelson!"
For he had marched headlong into a bastion of white Afrikanerdom — the temple of South African rugby — and made its followers feel they belonged in the new South Africa.
Comments
John says...
He finished Martin Luther King's dream, helped to bring it to reality may his soul rest in peace
Posted 5 December 2013, 5:08 p.m. Suggest removal
rony says...
RIP. You was a living hero!!!
Posted 5 December 2013, 5:42 p.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
Can't we just picture Comrade President Nelson's final moments as he sat with his God. Do not be afraid it's time for you to be set free to go in peace. God takes Comrade Nelson by the hand as he leads him ever so gently. To hear his God is Comrade Nelson's greatest reward.
Commonwealth Youth Forum - Tearful Song - Heal the World
.../ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt-URsaU…
Posted 5 December 2013, 6:23 p.m. Suggest removal
John says...
Maybe the new holiday in January should each year be made " in celebration of..." and in 2014 it should be " In Celebration of the life of Nelson Mandela"
Posted 5 December 2013, 6:30 p.m. Suggest removal
abacogrouper says...
One of the greatest men to ever walk the face of the earth....
Posted 5 December 2013, 7:20 p.m. Suggest removal
Honestman says...
John F. Kennedy was revered and we even have a highway named after him in New Providence. Was that really justified? Now we have the passing of a truly great human being and statesman. Perhaps we should have a Nelson Mandela Highway?
Posted 5 December 2013, 10:31 p.m. Suggest removal
ThisIsOurs says...
How about the airport?
Posted 5 December 2013, 10:34 p.m. Suggest removal
Honestman says...
We might have a lot if Nelson Mandela airports across the world, LOL.
Posted 6 December 2013, 4:59 a.m. Suggest removal
B_I_D___ says...
I would gladly see and accept Nelson Mandela for our airport...get that ludicrous SLOP off of there!!
Posted 6 December 2013, 7:49 a.m. Suggest removal
John says...
Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jail because he opposed white majority rule..He came out of jail and to freedom hating no one. Smiling, not bitter. Today if we are stopped by the police for a traffic violation we want to destroy the world. Do you really know why Atlantis is in the Bahamas today? Study Nelson Mandela and learn.
Posted 6 December 2013, 4:54 a.m. Suggest removal
Honestman says...
He deserved a better legacy than the corrupt ANC. I fear for South Africa now that he is no longer there to influence and moderate. It could easily head towards the wreck and ruin of Zimbabwe for the ANC and Mugabe share the same ideology.
Posted 6 December 2013, 5:06 a.m. Suggest removal
ThisIsOurs says...
The most amazing thing about Nelson Mandela to me is, as much as everyone revers him, he seems to be a very simple man. He never adopted that habit of fancy suits and expensive gold watches. He was really humble, he fought for things for *other* people. It wasn't fake, he got a mantle of leadership that he barely wanted. I wonder if every great leader is like that? They lead because they have the calling and they can't veer from it but they don't covet the position.
Posted 6 December 2013, 6:29 a.m. Suggest removal
evangelistilonahenry says...
Ah death! Ah the grave!
Where the mightiest of heros lie
Untroubled by the raging seas when its billows roar
There the slave and little lie to be troubled no more
Is this the hero, who for freedom paid a price?
What shall be done to thee o death?
And what is thy price o grave?
Is this Mandela, whom for the freedom of his people
Refuseth a fading crown?
With tears I bade thee good bye
In the bossom of him that loveth thee
Lie thou quietly, and in the victors company
Thous shall smile
And in their midst thou shalt know no shame.
Precious in his eyes are the death of his beloved
Rest thou in peace and thy soul shall be troubled no more.
Posted 6 December 2013, 8:46 a.m. Suggest removal
digimagination says...
Aside from anything else, he was RESPECTED and deservedly so!
Posted 6 December 2013, 9:18 a.m. Suggest removal
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