Mourners gather outside former
South African President Nelson Mandela's Johannesburg home on Friday,
December 6. Mandela, the revered statesman who emerged from prison to
lead South Africa out of its dark days of apartheid, died on Thursday,
December 5. He was 95.
A woman prays at the
Central Methodist Church as people remember Mandela on December 6 in
CapeTown, South Africa.
A woman prays at the
Central Methodist Church as people remember Mandela on December 6 in
CapeTown, South Africa.
British Prime
Minister David Cameron signs the book of condolence at the South African
Embassy in central London following the announcement of Mandela's
death.
British Prime
Minister David Cameron signs the book of condolence at the South African
Embassy in central London following the announcement of Mandela's
death.
A group of mourners
sing and dance outside Mandela's Johannesburg home on December 6.
A group of mourners
sing and dance outside Mandela's Johannesburg home on December 6.
A woman cleans up
outside the South African Embassy in Beijing where portraits of Mandela
and flowers offered by people are placed on December 6.
A woman cleans up
outside the South African Embassy in Beijing where portraits of Mandela
and flowers offered by people are placed on December 6.
Members of the
public lay tributes to Mandela in London outside South Africa House near
Trafalgar Square on December 6.
Members of the
public lay tributes to Mandela in London outside South Africa House near
Trafalgar Square on December 6.
A man looks at a
wreath of flowers and a picture of Mandela displayed inside the embassy
in Jakarta, Indonesia, on December 6.
A man looks at a
wreath of flowers and a picture of Mandela displayed inside the embassy
in Jakarta, Indonesia, on December 6.
U.S. Vice President
Joe Biden pays a silent tribute to Mandela before his speech at Yonsei
University in Seoul, South Korea, on December 6.
U.S. Vice President
Joe Biden pays a silent tribute to Mandela before his speech at Yonsei
University in Seoul, South Korea, on December 6.
A man wearing a
T-shirt with a portrait of Mandela leads a group of mourners as they
sing and dance outside Mandela's Johannesburg home on December 6.
A man wearing a
T-shirt with a portrait of Mandela leads a group of mourners as they
sing and dance outside Mandela's Johannesburg home on December 6.
South Africans hold
pictures of former South African president Nelson Mandela as they pay
tribute following his death in Johannesburg on Friday, December 6.
South Africans hold
pictures of former South African president Nelson Mandela as they pay
tribute following his death in Johannesburg on Friday, December 6.
The South African
flag is flown at half-staff at the Union Buildings on December 6 in
Pretoria, South Africa.
The South African
flag is flown at half-staff at the Union Buildings on December 6 in
Pretoria, South Africa.
A news channel
display in Sydney on December 6 shows a message following Mandela's
death.
A news channel
display in Sydney on December 6 shows a message following Mandela's
death.
A small crowd
gathers in front of a statue of Nelson Mandela at Parliament Square in
London, on December 6.
A small crowd
gathers in front of a statue of Nelson Mandela at Parliament Square in
London, on December 6.
A man lights a
candle for Nelson Mandela outside the South African High Commission in
London, on December 6.
A man lights a
candle for Nelson Mandela outside the South African High Commission in
London, on December 6.
A bunch of yellow
roses is left as tribute to Mandela outside the South African embassy in
Berlin, Germany, on December 6.
A bunch of yellow
roses is left as tribute to Mandela outside the South African embassy in
Berlin, Germany, on December 6.
Australian and
English cricket fans in Adelaide, Australia, observe a minute of silence
December 6, to mark the passing of Nelson Mandela.
Australian and
English cricket fans in Adelaide, Australia, observe a minute of silence
December 6, to mark the passing of Nelson Mandela.
A woman cries
outside Mandela's house in Johannesburg after Mandela's death on
December 5.
A woman cries
outside Mandela's house in Johannesburg after Mandela's death on
December 5.
South Africans sing
as they pay tribute to Mandela in Johannesburg on December 5.
South Africans sing
as they pay tribute to Mandela in Johannesburg on December 5.
U.S. President
Barack Obama pauses as he speaks about Mandela in the briefing room of
the White House on Thursday, December 5. Obama said he was one of the
"countless millions" who drew inspirations from Mandela's life.
U.S. President
Barack Obama pauses as he speaks about Mandela in the briefing room of
the White House on Thursday, December 5. Obama said he was one of the
"countless millions" who drew inspirations from Mandela's life.
The marquee at New
York's Apollo Theater honors Mandela on December 5.
The marquee at New
York's Apollo Theater honors Mandela on December 5.
An artist who goes
by the name Franco the Great stands beneath a Mandela mural that he
painted in New York's Harlem neighborhood more than 15 years ago. He
later added Obama to the mural.
An artist who goes
by the name Franco the Great stands beneath a Mandela mural that he
painted in New York's Harlem neighborhood more than 15 years ago. He
later added Obama to the mural.
Keaton Anderson,
10, poses for a photograph while he and his father visit Mandela's
statue at the South African Embassy in Washington on December 5. The
statue is under renovation.
Keaton Anderson,
10, poses for a photograph while he and his father visit Mandela's
statue at the South African Embassy in Washington on December 5. The
statue is under renovation.
South Africans pay
tribute to Mandela in Johannesburg following his death December 5.
South Africans pay
tribute to Mandela in Johannesburg following his death December 5.
A candlelight vigil
is held December 5 outside Mandela's Johannesburg home.
A candlelight vigil
is held December 5 outside Mandela's Johannesburg home.
People light a
candle for Mandela outside his home in Johannesburg on December 5.
People light a
candle for Mandela outside his home in Johannesburg on December 5.
HIDE CAPTION
Nelson Mandela, 95, died
Thursday in Johannesburg.
"We will always love
Madiba for teaching us that it is possible to overcome hatred and anger
in order to build a new nation and a new society," President Jacob Zuma
said Friday, referring to the revered statesman by his clan name.
In Soweto township, where
Mandela lived before he was imprisoned for 27 years, giant posters of
his face adorned streets. Residents surrounded his former red brick
house on a busy street and sang songs of freedom.
On the grass near
Mandela's home in the Johannesburg suburb of Houghton, children spelled
out with rocks "We love you Mandela."
Others wept, lit candles
and sang in celebration of a life well lived.
Tributes planned
A state funeral will be
held December 15 in his ancestral hometown of Qunu in the Eastern Cape
province.
Before the funeral,
various events to honor him are planned in major cities.
Sunday will be a
national day of prayer and reflection, and people will gather in places
of worship to pray and meditate, Zuma said.
Nelson
Mandela, the prisoner-turned-president who reconciled South Africa
after the end of apartheid, died on Thursday, December 5, according to
the country's president, Jacob Zuma. Mandela was 95.
Mandela
became president of the African National Congress Youth League in 1951.
Mandela
became president of the African National Congress Youth League in 1951.
Mandela
poses for a photo, circa 1950.
Mandela
poses for a photo, circa 1950.
Mandela
poses in boxing gloves in 1952.
Mandela
poses in boxing gloves in 1952.
Mandela
in the office of Mandela & Tambo, a law practice set up in
Johannesburg by Mandela and Oliver Tambo to provide free or affordable
legal representation to black South Africans.
Mandela
in the office of Mandela & Tambo, a law practice set up in
Johannesburg by Mandela and Oliver Tambo to provide free or affordable
legal representation to black South Africans.
From
left: Patrick Molaoa, Robert Resha and Mandela walk to the courtroom for
their treason trial in Johannesburg.
From
left: Patrick Molaoa, Robert Resha and Mandela walk to the courtroom for
their treason trial in Johannesburg.
Mandela
married his second wife, social worker Winnie Madikizela, in 1958. At
the time, he was an active member of the African National Congress and
had begun his lifelong commitment to ending segregation in South Africa.
Mandela
married his second wife, social worker Winnie Madikizela, in 1958. At
the time, he was an active member of the African National Congress and
had begun his lifelong commitment to ending segregation in South Africa.
Nelson
and Winnie Mandela raise their fists to salute a cheering crowd upon
his 1990 release from Victor Verster Prison. He was still as upright and
proud, he would say, as the day he walked into prison 27 years before.
Nelson
and Winnie Mandela raise their fists to salute a cheering crowd upon
his 1990 release from Victor Verster Prison. He was still as upright and
proud, he would say, as the day he walked into prison 27 years before.
A
jubilant South African holds up a newspaper announcing Mandela's release
from prison at an ANC rally in Soweto on February 11, 1990. Two days
later, more than 100,000 people attended a rally celebrating his release
from jail.
A
jubilant South African holds up a newspaper announcing Mandela's release
from prison at an ANC rally in Soweto on February 11, 1990. Two days
later, more than 100,000 people attended a rally celebrating his release
from jail.
Mandela
and Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda arrive at an ANC rally on March 3,
1990, in Lusaka, Zambia. Mandela was elected president of the ANC the
next year.
Mandela
and Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda arrive at an ANC rally on March 3,
1990, in Lusaka, Zambia. Mandela was elected president of the ANC the
next year.
After
his release in 1990, Mandela embarked on a world tour, meeting U.S.
President George H.W. Bush at the White House in June.
After
his release in 1990, Mandela embarked on a world tour, meeting U.S.
President George H.W. Bush at the White House in June.
At
his Soweto home on July 18, 1990, Mandela blows out the candles on his
72nd birthday cake. It was the first birthday he celebrated as a free
man since the 1960s.
At
his Soweto home on July 18, 1990, Mandela blows out the candles on his
72nd birthday cake. It was the first birthday he celebrated as a free
man since the 1960s.
Mandela
and his wife react to supporters during a visit to Brazil at the
governor's palace in Rio De Janeiro, on August 1, 1991.
Mandela
and his wife react to supporters during a visit to Brazil at the
governor's palace in Rio De Janeiro, on August 1, 1991.
South
African President Frederik de Klerk, right, and Mandela shared a Nobel
Peace Prize in 1993 for their work to secure a peaceful transition from
apartheid rule.
South
African President Frederik de Klerk, right, and Mandela shared a Nobel
Peace Prize in 1993 for their work to secure a peaceful transition from
apartheid rule.
Mandela
votes for the first time in his life on March 26, 1994.
Mandela
votes for the first time in his life on March 26, 1994.
On
April 27, 1994, a long line of people snake toward a polling station in
the black township of Soweto outside of Johannesburg in the nation's
first all-race elections.
On
April 27, 1994, a long line of people snake toward a polling station in
the black township of Soweto outside of Johannesburg in the nation's
first all-race elections.
Mandela
in Mmabatho for an election rally on March 15, 1994.
Mandela
in Mmabatho for an election rally on March 15, 1994.
Mandela
was elected president in the first open election in South African
history on April 29, 1994. He's pictured here taking the oath at his
inauguration in May, becoming the nation's first black president.
Mandela
was elected president in the first open election in South African
history on April 29, 1994. He's pictured here taking the oath at his
inauguration in May, becoming the nation's first black president.
Mandela,
left, cheers as Springbok Rugby captain Francois Pienaar holds the Webb
Ellis trophy high after winning the World Cup Rugby Championship in
Johannesburg on June 24, 1995.
Mandela,
left, cheers as Springbok Rugby captain Francois Pienaar holds the Webb
Ellis trophy high after winning the World Cup Rugby Championship in
Johannesburg on June 24, 1995.
After
one term as president, Mandela stepped down. Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki, at
right, was sworn in as his replacement in June 1999.
After
one term as president, Mandela stepped down. Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki, at
right, was sworn in as his replacement in June 1999.
Mandela
sits outside his former prison cell on Robben Island on November 28,
2003, ahead of his AIDS benefit concert at Green Point Stadium in Cape
Town. He was sent to the infamous prison five miles off the coast of
South Africa, where he spent 18 of his 27 years behind bars.
Mandela
sits outside his former prison cell on Robben Island on November 28,
2003, ahead of his AIDS benefit concert at Green Point Stadium in Cape
Town. He was sent to the infamous prison five miles off the coast of
South Africa, where he spent 18 of his 27 years behind bars.
Mandela
shows something to a group of international journalists visiting the
Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg in May 2004.
Mandela
shows something to a group of international journalists visiting the
Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg in May 2004.
Mandela
sits with his wife, Graca Machel, and his grandchildren at his son's
funeral on January 15, 2005. He disclosed that his son, Makgatho
Lewanika Mandela, had died of AIDS and said the disease should be given
publicity so people would stop viewing it as extraordinary.
Mandela
sits with his wife, Graca Machel, and his grandchildren at his son's
funeral on January 15, 2005. He disclosed that his son, Makgatho
Lewanika Mandela, had died of AIDS and said the disease should be given
publicity so people would stop viewing it as extraordinary.
The
"46664 Arctic" benefit concert was held in Tromso, Norway, on June 11,
2005. 46664 was Mandela's identification number in prison. Here, artists
who performed at the event surround him.
The
"46664 Arctic" benefit concert was held in Tromso, Norway, on June 11,
2005. 46664 was Mandela's identification number in prison. Here, artists
who performed at the event surround him.
Mandela
attends an HIV/AIDs concert in Johannesburg on February 17, 2005.
Mandela
attends an HIV/AIDs concert in Johannesburg on February 17, 2005.
Former
U.S. President Bill Clinton leans down to whisper to former South
African President Nelson Mandela during a visit to the Nelson Mandela
Foundation on July 19, 2007, in Johannesburg.
Former
U.S. President Bill Clinton leans down to whisper to former South
African President Nelson Mandela during a visit to the Nelson Mandela
Foundation on July 19, 2007, in Johannesburg.
A
bronze statue of Mandela was unveiled in Parliament Square in London on
August 29, 2007. The 9-foot statue faces the Houses of Parliament.
A
bronze statue of Mandela was unveiled in Parliament Square in London on
August 29, 2007. The 9-foot statue faces the Houses of Parliament.
Mandela
leaves the InterContinental Hotel after a photoshoot with celebrity
photographer Terry O'Neil on June 26, 2008, in London.
Mandela
leaves the InterContinental Hotel after a photoshoot with celebrity
photographer Terry O'Neil on June 26, 2008, in London.
Mandela
meets in 2009 with international children as part of his 46664
Foundation.
Mandela
meets in 2009 with international children as part of his 46664
Foundation.
Nelson
Mandela and his third wife, Graca Machel, arrive at the 2010 World Cup
before the final match between Netherlands and Spain on July 11, 2010,
at Soccer City Stadium in Soweto.
Nelson
Mandela and his third wife, Graca Machel, arrive at the 2010 World Cup
before the final match between Netherlands and Spain on July 11, 2010,
at Soccer City Stadium in Soweto.
Then-U.S.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets with Mandela at his home in
Qunu, South Africa, on August 6, 2012.
Then-U.S.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets with Mandela at his home in
Qunu, South Africa, on August 6, 2012.
The
evolution of Nelson Mandela
HIDE CAPTION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
The official memorial
service will be held Tuesday in First National Bank Stadium in
Johannesburg.
And his body will lie in
state at the seat of government in Pretoria from Wednesday through next
Friday.
Zuma announced the death
late Thursday in a nationally televised address.
"Our nation has lost its
greatest son, our people have lost a father," he said. "Although we
knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a
profound and enduring loss."
In recent years, Mandela
had battled health issues that included multiple hospitalizations for
treatment of a recurring lung infection.
Many South Africans
didn't get the news until Friday morning.
"I woke up and was
shocked when I saw it on television," said Wilson Mudau, a cabdriver in
Johannesburg. "It's sad, but what can we do? Let him rest in peace. It's
time ... Madiba has worked so hard to unite us."
Memorials
worldwide
Nearly 8,000 miles north
of Johannesburg, in Paris, leaders from 53 African countries attending a
summit on peace and security observed a minute of silence for him
Friday.
Memorials popped up from
Los Angeles to Chicago, where mourners placed flowers and candles in
front of murals bearing his likeness. In Washington, crowds gathered in
front of the South African Embassy.
In Adelaide, Australia,
cricket fans observed a moment of silence.
"I admired Mandela
(because) he had not poisoned his heart," said Leo Udtohan of Bohol,
Philippines. "He learned to forgive despite the horror he experienced
while in prison."
At New York City's
Apollo Theater in Harlem, which Mandela visited in 1990, the marquee lit
up in tribute. "In memory of Nelson Mandela, 1918-2013," it said. "He
changed our world."
Man of
complexities
Mandela helped South
Africa break the practice of racial segregation and do away with white
minority rule.
Imprisoned for nearly
three decades for his fight against state-sanctioned racial segregation,
he was freed in 1990 and quickly set about working to unite the nation
through forgiveness and reconciliation.
"As I walked out the
door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't
leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison," Mandela
said.
His rejection of
vengeance led him to assume roles that led from freedom fighter to
prisoner to a world symbol of the struggle against racial oppression.
And, four years after he
left prison, he became the nation's first black president, cementing
his place in the consciousness of the nation and the world.
"I'm just glad he
finally found his place of rest," said Omekongo Dibinga of Washington.
"From the family drama to his health problems, it just seemed like he
could never get a break in his later years. Now I hope be can finally
rest, but he'll probably still be watching down on us in frustration."
'We all knew
he'd leave us'
His recent bouts of
illness had prepared many South Africans for Thursday's announcement.
"We all knew he'd leave
us at some point," said Tony Karuiru, a Johannesburg resident. "But we
were hoping that he would be with us during the festive season. It's the
holidays, I just wish God would have given him a few more days with us
as well."
Thomas Rabodiba said
though he expected Mandela's death, he was having a hard time accepting
it.
"At first, when I heard
he died, I thought it was the usual rumors we get all the time," he
said. "After I heard the president's announcement later that the old man
has departed, then I believed that he's really gone."
His legacy
Mandela will be
remembered for many things, but his message of forgiveness and
reconciliation may resonate the most.
"Mandela's biggest
legacy ... was his remarkable lack of bitterness and the way he did not
only talk about reconciliation, but he made reconciliation happen in
South Africa," said F.W. de Klerk, South Africa's last white president
and Mandela's predecessor.
Leaders react
Zuma has ordered flags
around South Africa to be flown at half-staff until the funeral.
The U.S. government and
Buckingham Palace also lowered their flags.
"Nelson Mandela achieved
more than could be expected of any man," President Barack Obama said
Thursday. "We have lost one of the most influential, courageous, and
profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this
Earth. He no longer belongs to us -- he belongs to the ages."
In recent years, plans
for a fitting farewell were hammered out among the government, the
military and his family. Events over the next 10 days will culminate in a
state funeral to be broadcast worldwide and a private farewell for
those closest to him.
No comments:
Post a Comment