” I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken here a moment to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment , for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger,for my long walk is not ended ” – Nelson Mandela
The man who led the transition of South Africa from white minority rule and served as his country’s first black president, becoming an international emblem of dignity and forbearance, died Thursday night in Johannesburg. He was 95.
He had been receiving intensive medical care at home for a lung infection after spending three months in hospital.He died ultimately at home at 8:50 p.m, local time and will be buried , according to his wishes, in the village of Qunu, where he grew up.
” He is now at peace ” said South African President Jacob Zuma , who announced his death.The Nobel Peace Prize laureate was one of the world’s most revered statesmen after preaching reconciliation despite being imprisoned for 27 years. He had rarely been seen in public since officially retiring in 2004. He made his last public appearance in 2010, at the football World Cup in South Africa. India announces 5- day state mourning, starting from today , as a mark of respect for Nelson Mandela.
