Nelson Mandela Dies At 95

Nelson Mandela passed away at the age of 95.

The 1993 Nobel Prize winner, former President of South Africa and a worldwide icon, died on Thursday, December 5 at 8:50pm local time.

Mandela’s  daughter Makaziwe spoke earlier this week about her father, saying he was “very courageous,” before his death.

He spent 27 years behind bars for opposing apartheid in South Africa in 1962 when he was sentenced to life in prison. Mandela served at Robben Island where he endured hard labor and but ultimately released on February 11, 1990.

He became the country’s first black president in 1994. His country had been on the verge of civil war but he brought hope and reconciliation to his people and become a leader for justice throughout the world.

When Mandela left the prison with his wife Winnie by his side it was televised and what he did became a symbol around the world.

"I raised my right fist and there was a roar," Mandela explained.

South African President Jacob Zuma announced the news of Mandela’s passing.

"Our nation has lost its greatest son, yet what made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves, and in him we saw so much of ourselves."

Stars have rushed to pay tribute:

Simon Cowell tweeted: "So sad to hear about Nelson Mandela. Rest in peace."

Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie wrote: "Meeting Nelson Mandela at his house in Johannesburg was a truly memorable moment in life for me. He was an angel."

Actor Samuel L. Jackson said: "Never met a better person in my life than Nelson Mandela. My sympathy to his family & his country."

Political leaders were also quick to offer their sympathies, with UK Prime Minister David Cameron saying:  "A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time."

US President Barack Obama gave a TV address, where he said Nelson had "achieved more than could be expected of any man."