ANKARA (AA) - Anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela has died aged 95, South African President Jacob Zuma said on state television on Thursday.
Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father,” Zuma said.
“He is now at peace.”
Mandela had been hospitalized in several spells over the years due to a persistent lung infection. He died at his home where he had returned in September after three months in hospital.
Mandela spent 27 years in prison till 1990. He received Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his efforts to end apartheid in his country. He then became South Africa’s first black president, serving a single term in 1994-1999.
Following his presidency, Mandela worked as an Aids activist until 2004, when he retired from public life due to his failing health.