RIP MADIBA.'NELSON MANDELA: Freedom fighter, President,Prisoner, Icon may your soul rest in peace.

Mandela 1918-2013

The world mourns Madiba, who died today Houghton, South Africa, aged 95. Nelson Mandela was the first black president in his nation, he was the great man who fought apartheid and gave South Africans their freedom. It is said that Mandela has been struggling with his health and has been on ventilator for 6 months.

Mandela when he was younger.

Mr Zuma the current South African president 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.'

President Obama said in a press conference 'We will not likely see the likes of Nelson Mandela again, so it falls to us' to live by his example and 'make decisions not by hate but by love.

He said that the thoughts and prayers of the first family and the American people were with Mr Mandela's family.

'His life's work meant long days away from those who loved him most,' saying that he hoped they were able to value the last few months together.

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.

While some looked sombre and quietly said prayers following Mandela's passing, others celebrated his achievements in a loud show of patriotism and pride.

Vigil on the streets of south Africa, Mourning the loss of a great man.

Global leader: The United Nations Security council observes a minute of silence upon the news of the passing of Nelson Mandela.

Mandela was initially treated for a lung infection but over time it was announced that 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 Africans took to the streets of Johannesburg in their droves to mourn former president Nelson Mandela after news of his death broke.

Mourners converged on Mandela's home in the capital to light candles and pay tribute to the man who ended apartheid and gave them their freedom.

Hundreds of people waved South Africa flags, embraced, clapped and chanted Mr Mandela's name as they remembered their first democratically elected president.

So sad, two people i ever wanted to meet in this life, have now passed away 'Michael Jackson and Mandela'.