Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa and respected world leader, has passed away at the age of 95. Earlier this year, the iconic leader was being treated in a South African hospital for a recurring lung infection.
Nelson fought for social equality and the reduction of poverty his entire life. He was jailed multiple times for resisting the apartheid and eventually jailed for 27 years after being convicted of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government. During his time in prison Mandela continued his fight against the apartheid and was eventually released after an international campaign lobbied for his charges to be dropped.
Once becoming the President of the African National Congress after his release, he was instrumental in negotiations with President F.W. de Klerk to abolish apartheid and establish multiracial elections in 1994.
When elected as President of South Africa in 1994, Mandela was the first black South African to hold the office. He focused his term as President on building a new government after the apartheid and reducing poverty, racism, and inequality.
Thanks to his efforts for fighting against social injustice and human rights violations, Mandela was numerous awards: including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize, the US Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Soviet Order of Lenin. Most importantly, he is referred to by South Africans as tata, which means “father of the nation.”
Family members are currently working on funeral arrangements on the former world leader and details are expected to be released within the following days.
