The Life Of An Hero: Nelson Mandela ( 1918 - 2013

Born in 1918, Nelson Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1943, as a law student.

He and other ANC leaders campaigned against apartheid. Initially he campaigned peacefully but in the 1960s the ANC began to advocate violence, and Mr Mandela was made the commander of its armed wing.

He was arrested for sabotage and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964, serving most of his sentence on Robben Island.

It was forbidden to quote him or publish his photo, but he and other ANC leaders were able to smuggle out messages of guidance to the anti-apartheid movement.

He was released in 1990 as South Africa began to move away from strict racial segregation - a process completed by the first multi-racial elections in 1994.

Mr Mandela served a single term as president before stepping down in 1999.

After leaving office, he became South Africa's highest-profile ambassador, campaigning against HIV/Aids and helping to secure his country's right to host the 2010 football World Cup, where he made his last public appearance since his official retiring in 2004.

He was also involved in peace negotiations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and other countries in Africa and elsewhere.

The young as well as older people have been deeply affected by his death. The Madiba has been credited with uniting South Africans of every colour.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 along with FW de Klerk, South Africa's last white president.

Mr Mandela won admiration around the world and he will be remembered for preaching reconciliation after being freed from almost three decades of imprisonment in Apartheid South Africa. 

All around the world flags are flying at half-mast from the buildings in Washington DC, Paris and across South Africa. World football body Fifa also ordered its flags to be lowered. What a great way to honour a man!

"He achieved more than could be expected of any man. Today, he has gone home," said US President Barack Obama.

However, the parliament in Pretoria is expected to hold a special joint session to reflect on Mr Mandela's life and legacy.

Books of condolence will be opened at public buildings in South Africa and at the country's embassies throughout the world.

Mr Mandela's body will lie in state for three days at the Union buildings in Pretoria before a funeral is held on Saturday in Qunu, the village in Eastern Cape where he was born.

"We love you great Madiba... The great legend... Our hero, our Pride. We do not mourn you rather we celebrate you. You are a true leader and we are happy that you finish the race well. We do hope that other world leaders will emulate this and make the world a better place"- posh diva.

From us at Bosydeprincess's Blog, you "showed us that none of us are free until all of us are free. we pay tribute to his moral fortitude and to his humility. With these qualities, Nelson Mandela inspired countless people around the world. For us  Madiba means freedom. Our sorrow runs deep with his passing. We extend deep sympathy and condolences to his wife Graça Machel, and his family and the people of South Africa"

Adieu!

The big question that kept bugging my heart is, "have you ever wondered what you will be reminded of when you depart Mother Earth, what significance has your life giving to the world today?, I know you have projects, plans and aspirations to change the world, wouldn't it be the right time to start?"

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