South
Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela has died
at the age of 95.
Mr
Mandela led South Africa's transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s,
after 27 years in prison for his political activities.
He had
been receiving intensive medical care at home for a lung infection after
spending three months in hospital.
Announcing
the news on South African national TV, President Jacob Zuma said Mr Mandela was
at peace.
"Our
nation has lost its greatest son," Mr Zuma said.
"Although we knew that
this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring
loss."
Mr Zuma
said Mr Mandela - who is known affectionately by his clan name, Madiba - had
died shortly before 21:00 local time (19:00 GMT). He said he would receive a
full state funeral, and flags would be flown at half-mast.
Crowds
have gathered outside the house where Mr Mandela died, some flying South
African flags and wearing the shirts of the governing African National
Congress, which Mr Mandela once led.
In London mourners placed flowers outside the
African High Commission - among them the daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu,
Lungi Morrison
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INFO COURTESY: BBC
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