Former South African president Nelson Mandela has died aged 95, the country’s president Jacob Zuma said last night.
“Our nation has lost its greatest son, our people have lost our father,” he said at a news conference.
The South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician was President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the first black South African to hold the office, and the first elected in a fully representative multiracial election.
Mr Mandela had spent 27 years in prison in defiance of the apartheid regime and was an inspiration not only to the people of South Africa but millions of people throughout the world.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said: “A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time. I’ve asked for the flag at No10 to be flown at half mast.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here