Buriani Nelson Mandela

 

South Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid icon dies after battling chronic lung infection for months.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela died peacefully at his Johannesburg home on Thursday after a prolonged lung infection. He was 95.

Mandela, the country's first black president and anti-apartheid icon, emerged from 27 years in apartheid prisons to help guide South Africa out of bloodshed and turmoil to democracy. 

"Our people have lost a father. Although we knew this day was going to come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss. His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world. His humility, passion and humanity, earned him their love," he added.

"Fellow South Africans, our beloved Nelson Rohlihlahla Mandela, the founding president of our democratic nation, has departed," President Jacob Zuma said in a nationally televised address.

Mandela would receive a full state funeral, Zuma said, ordering flags to be flown at half mast.

Speaking to Al Jazeera from outside the former leader's Mandela's house, where people of various races were singing songs dedicated to the former leader, local journalist Kenichi Serino said that there were around a thousand people gathered there.

"There is a total mix of people. There are Indian people, black people, guys with dreadlocks...  anyone with a car is here. It's a cross-section of groups. There are lots of South African flags."

He said that the atmosphere was a mixture of a sombre and festive mood.

"People are also taking pictures of themselves here, so as to capture the moment of them being here as well."