Updated 7.51am
NELSON MANDELA, THE champion of freedom who fought against apartheid in South Africa, has died at the age of 95.
The politician, who was the first black President of South Africa and held the position from 1994 to 1999, had been ill with a recurring lung infection.
To many, he is a symbol of anti-racism, a man who fought against the apartheid regime – which was implemented in the late 1940s after the National Party came to power in South Africa – and who was imprisoned for his efforts.
Though he initially held a policy of non-violent protest, he co-founded Umkhonto we Sizwe in 1961. This militant group led a bombing campaign that itself led to Mandela’s arrest.
He spent 27 years in prison, after being arrested and convicted of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government in 1962.
Called the Father of the Nation in South Africa, he was awarded the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize and more than 250 other awards for his work.
First published 5 December, 11.30pm
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