Nelson Mandela Dead at 95 Years of Age

CAPE TOWN – Breaking News – South Africa’s beloved Nelson Mandela is dead. Mandela, who was 95 years old, and suffering from health problems since the spring was receiving intensive home-based healthcare for a respiratory infection.

The president of South Africa Mr. Zuma made the announcement on the South African national television.

President Zuma said, “What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves. Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together and it is together that we will bid him farewell.”

Zuma announced that the nation will have all flags will fly at half-mast from tomorrow until after the state funeral.

Zuma stated, “As we gather to pay our last respects, let us conduct ourselves with the dignity and respect that Madiba personified. Let us be mindful of his wishes and the wishes of his family. Let us commit ourselves to strive together? to build a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa.”

The former President brought about serious change in South Africa. Mandela spend years in prison in South Africa, fighting for freedom in his country.

Once released, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

In 1994, Mandela was elected South Africa’s first black president. He served five years in office.

Mandela is survived by three daughters, 18 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. He had four step-children through his marriage to Graca Machel, whom he married on his 80th birthday.

Prime Minister Harper

With the death of Nelson Mandela, the world has lost one of its great moral leaders and statesmen. Mr. Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years by the former Government of South Africa, for his part in the struggle that would ultimately end the system of apartheid. 

Despite his long years of captivity, Mr. Mandela left prison with a heart closed to calls for a settling of scores. Instead, he was filled by a longing for truth and reconciliation, and for an understanding between all peoples. 

He demonstrated that the only path forward for the nation was to reject the appeal of bitterness. His forbearance was legendary: his magnanimity spared all South Africans incalculable suffering.

Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy for his country, and the world, is the example he set through his own ‘long walk to freedom.’ With grace and humility, he modelled how peoples can transform their own times and in doing so, their own lives. 

On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, Laureen and I extend our condolences to Mr. Mandela’s widow, Graça Machel, his entire family and all citizens of South Africa. Canada, a nation that granted Mr. Mandela honorary citizenship in 2001, mourns with you and the entire world today.

Ontario Premier Wynne

Premier Kathleen Wynne issued the following statement today in response to the death of Nelson Mandela:

“There are few people who have one more to inspire the world than Nelson Mandela, and I am deeply saddened to learn of his death.

As a student of history and a huge believer in the power of the human spirit, I know his life will continue to serve as a beacon for change, throughout South Africa and around the world. He taught us that nothing is impossible, that we have a responsibility to one another, and that courage is the triumph over fear.

The world is better for his presence, and we all mourn his loss.”