Not a saint, but a hero. NELSON MANDELA 1918 - 2013

The Freedom fighter, prisoner, president, global icon “NELSON MANDELA” died at his home in Johannesburg, South Africa aged 95.  He died at 12:50pm EST surrounded by close family.

He was initially treated for a lung infection, but three weeks later, he was , it was announced his condition had turned 'critical'.

The South African government has never disclosed the full extent of his illness, but reputable news sources revealed that his liver and kidneys were functioning at just 50 percent.

South African media reported that he was on ventilation and undergoing regular renal dialysis.

Nelson Mandela was one of the world's most admired and beloved political leaders, an icon of the redemptive power of reconciliation.

South Africa's president Jacob Zuma announced the long-expected death in a special television broadcast last night.

Mr Zuma said: 'Our nation has lost its greatest son.'

'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.'

Global leader: The United Nations Security Council observes a minute
of silence upon the news of the noted peacemaker's death

The White House said tonight that the president is expected to travel to South Africa for Mandela's state funeral along with other world leaders.

'He achieved more than could be expected for any man and today he's gone home,’ Obama said at a news conference. 'Madiba transformed South Africa and moved all of us- his journey from a prisoner to a president embodied the promise that humans can transform for the better.'

UK Prime Minister David Cameron led the tributes to Mandela in that country.

'Nelson Mandela showed us the true meaning of courage, hope, and reconciliation,' Cameron said. 'My heart goes out to his family - and to all in South Africa and around the world whose lives were changed through his courage.'

Cameron tweeted that the flag at No 10 Downing Street would be flown at half-mast. 

'A great light has gone out in the world,' Cameron said. 'Nelson Mandela was a hero of out time.

‘I cannot fully imagine my life without the example that Nelson Mandela set,' said President Obama at a news conference. The White House said the US president will travel to South Africa to attend Mandela's fuenral

The world mourns his death. Rest in peace Madiba!