Nelson Mandela dies

Nelson Mandela is a symbol of triumph over adversity
Nelson Mandela is a symbol of triumph over adversity

Nelson Mandela, the former South African president whose stubborn defiance survived 27 years in prison and led to the dismantling of the country’s racist and brutal apartheid system, has died.

He was 95 years old.

He had a number of issues with his health in recent years, including repeated hospitalization with a chronic lung infection.

Mandela had been listed in “serious but stable condition” after entering the hospital in June.

Mandela is seen as a global symbol of freedom and triumph over adversity.

He became South Africa’s first black president after the end of apartheid and is revered among the country’s 53 million people as the father of the nation.

Madela was born on July 18, 1918.

He led the struggle to replace the apartheid regime of South Africa with a multi-racial democracy and because of that he was jailed for 27 years.

He was released in 1990 and he became president four years later.

He was known for his charisma, his sense of humor and the lack of bitterness over his harsh treatment while in prison.

Mandela was a deep believer in democracy and equal opportunity. “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities,” he once said. “It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

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75 Comments

  1. BOOM!
    December 7, 2013

    Madiba! We shall never forget!

  2. 4CARS
    December 7, 2013

    Thought I had a comment here!

  3. Asterix
    December 6, 2013

    Rest in peace the great Nelson “Madiba” Mandela. Your 27 year imprisonment while it limited your freedom of movement did not imprison your moral and spiritual being and your super human nature. Your work before that dreaded time, that 27 years of sacrifice, and more so your work thereafter; have liberated your people in South Africa and has had a most inspirational effect on humanity the world over. You have shown the world the true meaning of forgiveness even to the heartless perpetrators of your unlawful and inhumane imprisonment. Your flesh is gone from this world but your spirit and influence will live on. Condolences to your family and to all who grieve your passing. PEACE

  4. Rastafari
    December 6, 2013

    Amandla!!!

  5. helloooooo
    December 6, 2013

    Thank God for Madeba! RIP Mandela the “liberator” If we are to move forward we cannot habor hateIf I was to leave this island with hate I would never have been truly free of prison……My leaders remember the words of Madeba and as blacks (afican people) Unite our nation speak honestly for the nation and not for some.

  6. looking
    December 6, 2013

    “he made racism everywhere not just immoral but stupid” -Tony Blair

  7. December 6, 2013

    if only our current leaders would emulate this great man. gone but will never be forgotten RIP :cry: :-| :-| :-|

  8. Anonymous
    December 6, 2013

    I had alot of respect for this man truely a great man RIP Mandela

  9. Anonymous
    December 6, 2013

    had a lot of respect for this man a real Icon God Look over him RIP Mandela.

  10. Anonymous
    December 6, 2013

    My wish is that the leaders of this world would emulate Mr. Mandela. Mr. Mandela was a selfless man… He loved people and he fought for justice and peace for humanity… May his legacy live on in our hearts. Rest in Peace. Mr. Mandela. You have fought a good fight. Your journey has ended.

  11. Sylvester Cadette
    December 6, 2013

    I will never forget where I was and the moment of annoucement of the Death of Nelson Mandela. I was at an ITU World forum on ICT Indicators at the Hilton in Mexico City when Dr. Cosmas Zavazava (of Zimbabwe & ITU) made the announcement.

    Nelson Mandela started off so humbly from humble beginnings but with a purpose and resolve. and where it seemed there were no roads to the end of arpathied he created those roads as in the great words of the Phillipino Spanish poet, Antonio Merchado – TRAVELLER THERE ARE NO ROADS, THE ROADS ARE MADE BY WALKING!! And indeed we ought to learn how to chart a course for our collective goals and for humanity.

    in the last seven (7) years I have been learning to embrace the philosophy that embodied Nelson Mandela and the underlying principles of his of life and work to liberate – the UBUNTU PHILOSOPHY.

    UBUNTU – BECAUSE YOU ARE, I AM. or “I AM WHAT I AM BECAUSE OF WHO WE ALL ARE.

    In other words “A person is a person through other people strikes an affirmation of one’s humanity through recognition of an “other” in his or her uniqueness and difference”. I love that it captures the concepts of extroverted communities, socialization of prosperity, redemption, deference to hierarchy and humanism.

    Interestingly, it is captured in our National Anthem – “ALL FOR EACH AND EACH FOR ALL” .

    Like some greats like of the anti-arpathied movement, like Oliver Tambo, Suzulu, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Bishop Abel Mozureawa and others, through his life he taugt the world how to embrace and live humility, loyalty, love, compassion, integrity, perseverance, steadfastness…. as virtues to pursue. He taught of how to embrace and how to relinquish; how to fight and how to reconcile. The redemptive and reconciliatory aspect of his philosophy is that which we ought to, in fact I say Must emulate in Dominica.

    He stood as a colossus above all. THEY CALLED HIM AN ANIMAL – A TERRORRIST; THEY CALLED HIM MANY THINGS – BUT THEY LIVED TO HAIL HIM A PHENOMENON< TO WORSHIP AT HIS FEET – AND WILL NO DOUBT CONTINUE TO PAY HOMAGE AT HIS SHRINES, BUSTS, AND MEMORIAL STATUES AND SCULPTURES THE WORLD OVER.

    He lived for others. instead of mourning, lets just live like him – each in our own way and according to our own calling.

    THE EARTH KEEPs ON TURNING
    PEOPLE LIVE AND DIE
    BUT OUR SPIRIT BORNE IN DARKNEST
    CANNOT BE CRUSHED ON ITS WAY TO THE SUNRISE
    THIS LIVING GENERATION ON EARTH
    WILL CARRY THE TORCH FURTHER AND FURTHER.

    In the words of our Dominican poet Giftus John "Let Freedom Ring" "The Dawn"
    For indeed his death has usherd in the Dawn of a new era on the philosophy of UBUNTU – BECAUSE YOU ARE, I AM. or “I AM WHAT I AM BECAUSE OF WHO WE ALL ARE

    PLEASE DOMINICA – EMBRACE IT

    Rest In Peace & Tranquility Nelson Mandela.

    • Sylvester Cadette
      December 6, 2013

      Actually the ICT World Forum was at the “Secretaria Relacciones Exteriosa” – Foreign Affairs Secretariat Conference Centre.

  12. blo
    December 6, 2013

    Such a great man. He has left a good legend behind. Peace not war, Love not hate, perseverance beyond all odds…

    If only our leaders today will follow in his footsteps.

    “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion, people must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” Nelson Mandela

  13. Dang!
    December 6, 2013

    This was a man that lived for his people. A true hero. A freedom fighter. May you rest in peace.

  14. Truth be told
    December 6, 2013

    Let the record show that this great man only held power as President of South Africa for one term because he did not believe that anyone should hold on to power for too long – indeed, power corrupts!

  15. Mary Black
    December 6, 2013

    When my friend informed me by text of the death I just felt a cold shiver. No other black leader will ever be able to achieved what he has done in his country. My he rest in peace.

  16. Righteous
    December 6, 2013

    “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

    “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.” (From Long Walk to Freedom, 1995)

    The World has lost a GIANT. Rest in Peace Nelson ‘Madiba’ Mandela.

    One Love Dominicans!! This man gave up 27 years of his life for the freedom of his people and country.

  17. MZUNGA
    December 6, 2013

    I don’t think that Mandela legacy lived on in South Africa…after Mandela more and more corrupt politicians came to power. Look at SA today: violent and corrupt country lead by Jacob Zuma, who is concerned primarily with channeling public funds to his own pocket and pockets of his cronies and multiple wives, children…crimes are rampant in SA….

    • Justice and Truth
      December 9, 2013

      Sad, isn’t it? Some people never learn. This must have hurt the heart of Nelson Mandela.
      This type of attitude has also occurred throughout Africa. Some of them take advantage of their position and others, those whom they rule. One day they will pay for it.

  18. Good is good
    December 6, 2013

    Rest in Peace Sir, a Great Hero

  19. God's Child
    December 6, 2013

    Rest in Peace President Mandela. You fulfilled your mission.

  20. December 6, 2013

    I and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of I and I great hero of African liberation, Nelson Mandela. May his life and legacy take hold in our hearts and be nurtured and grow to full maturity. There is much work to be done in regard to racial discrimmination in the world, but with steadfastness, as demonstrated through the life of Nelson Mandela, black activist, and freedom fighter, great things can and must be done!

  21. December 6, 2013

    It was with mixed emotions that we learn of the passing of South African Freedom Fighter and 1st President of a democratic South Africa.

    Mandela’s life struggle has impacted not only blacks and whites of his generation, but is one that will endure for many years to come.

    May the sun never set on his ideals until the whole world bows down to the first estate of peace.

  22. Cyrique
    December 6, 2013

    I had the honour and privilege of being in your presence. A man whose legacy will be a reference for peace, love and compromise. Thank you for all that you sacrificed for all of us. God bless you. Now you cans rest in peace Brother Mandella’ xxxx

  23. Justice and Truth
    December 6, 2013

    Fellow Dominicans, some of you may not have heard or read of Nelson Mandela’s 1994 inaugural speech. I was fortunate to get a copy. The parish priest allowed this insertion in each of the Sunday Church bulletins. There are a few Catholic Africans in this parish, one of whom may have given it to him.
    As always, I treasure such inspiring sayings and kept the copy, also making copies and gave to others. It is as follows, no doubt an excerpt of his speech on that great and memorable day of his inauguration:

    Nelson Mandela –

    Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the World. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel unsure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.

    As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

  24. Justice and Truth
    December 6, 2013

    When Nelson Mandela visited this part of the world, North America, one of his visits was to Toronto. The day and time of this visit was announced. He would first be speaking at City Hall, the offices of the Municipal Government, the Mayor of Toronto and employees. This is also a tourist site.
    He was also scheduled to visit and to speak at Queen’s Park, the offices of the Provincial, Ontario Premier and MPP’s including some government offices that same afternoon. I eagerly looked forward to his visit. I did not want to miss this supposedly once in a lifetime rally. Thank God I did. Happy memories.
    On that afternoon many Torontonians especially members of the West Indian community assembled first at City Hall to hear the welcome speech of government dignitaries and his speech. This was an exciting, happy moment to see and hear Nelson Mandela.
    Later we walked in one line, in a peaceful manner, out of solidarity from City Hall to Queen Street to Bay Street and to Queen’s Park some blocks away to continue this welcome and celebration. I did not mind this walk at all. There we joined many other Torontonians and listened to more speeches and his speech.
    What an afternoon! We were extremely happy to be present, to catch a glimpse of our world hero, Nelson Mandela and to listen to him and then interact with our fellow Torontonians of especially the West Indian community. Nelson Mandela brought us together as one in a peaceful, happy gathering. Wish it were that way all the time.
    That evening the Media broadcasted that after the speeches it was like a carnival atmosphere at Queen’s Park. Food and drinks were sold to ensure that no one would be hungry at the end of the day and we mingled with others especially those whom we personally knew. Music and songs were prominently played.
    As we wound our way to return to our place of residence, it was quite obvious that everyone had an enjoyable time, primarily seeing and listening to Nelson Mandela. It was a beautiful occasion and wished that it would have lasted.
    Nelson Mandela also visited Ottawa, the Capital of Canada, Parliament Hill, the offices of the Federal Government, the Prime Minister, MP’s and employees. I did not travel to Ottawa but some Torontonians did. It is some miles/kilometers away from Toronto, a few hours drive.
    What a visit it was for Nelson Mandela and to be welcomed as a King and treated as one with honor, respect and dignity.
    I followed the proceedings which took place in Ottawa on TV and the other places he visited. Nelson Mandela’s visit to Toronto, of course Canada is one which I will always remember. We hoped he would have been able to return on a visit but it was not meant to be. If he had, I would have been there. He has left us a legacy which will always be remembered.
    Nelson Mandela, it is sad to know you have left us but that is life. You made many people happy and loved and showed us what true love and forgiveness consist of. These godly virtues have followed you to eternity. May we constantly keep you and your exemplary personality and characteristic trait in mind as a reminder of what it takes to love others and to live in peace and harmony with our fellow people. Rest in God’s peace. God bless your soul!

  25. Stoic
    December 6, 2013

    Madiba was as big as life itself and offered to the world an example tempered by humility, humanity and strength of a man unmatched by only a few in recent history. He is (not was) a moral giant that changed history, and a legacy that will guide the future of Africa and the world. He was a champion for peace and justice and man beyond a politician, statesman or human rights activist, he was great human being.R.I.P Madiba…eternal Peace..

  26. Nmc
    December 6, 2013

    It was a great honour to have met this great man in St Lucia and shook his hands. My memories of him and his work in the liberation struggle of black people in South Africa and the World will leave forever.

  27. rescue 911
    December 5, 2013

    you deserve your rest.rest in perfect peace

  28. Annica Alethea
    December 5, 2013

    Long Live your eternal memories blessed One. You will be remembered through eternity.
    Love to a great King!

  29. Justice and Truth
    December 5, 2013

    He has gone to his eternal reward. The world is saddened at his loss especially by his cherished people, South Africans. His struggles and sufferings are over.
    His name will be forever etched in the history books. He will always be a reminder for all to keep up the challenge, the struggle and be peaceful.
    I recall the day when he was released from prison. As I viewed the proceedings on TV, there was great rejoicing to which I was no exception. What a day of relief and happiness this was for him, his family and supporters worldwide.
    He was indeed a strong man to have survived this prison sentence, deprivation of his rights, freedom and inhumane treatment. God was with him.
    The world is in mourning at his loss. My heartfelt sympathy to his wife, other members of his family, other South Africans and all his supporters throughout the world who dearly loved him. He will be missed.
    Dear Nelson Mandela you will never be forgotten. You have done too much for your fellow people and for the rest of the world. You are our icon and model.
    Rest now in God’s glory and peace. Eternal rest grant unto Nelson Mandela, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the soul of Nelson Mandela rest in peace. Amen!

  30. Alexy
    December 5, 2013

    What a kind, genuine and overall wonderful man. He certainly served his purpose on this earth. Rest in peace Mr. Nelson Mandela. Your legacy will live on.

  31. Britbob
    December 5, 2013

    A life to celebrate .. A man who fought fearlessly for justice even while forgiving the unjust. A legacy for the ages .. RIP Madiba

  32. Anonymous
    December 5, 2013

    This man made all black people proud

  33. December 5, 2013

    MANDELA!

    An excellent example of what representation is all about. Your imprisonment and your fight for justice was worth every effort.

    LONG LIVE YOUR MEMORY! YOU ARE FINALLY AT PEACE.

  34. migrate
    December 5, 2013

    RIP saint Mandela,your journey was a struggle,a fight for justice and equal rights for all.In the end you were triumphant and never gave up hope.Sleep on my my brother,take your rest. We loved you but god loved you most.

  35. 2cute
    December 5, 2013

    :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

    R.I.P President Mandela.Thanks for Freedom. :cry:

  36. dee
    December 5, 2013

    Sir you was a very strong man your journing has now begin.May you rest in peace President Mandela.

  37. phil martinez
    December 5, 2013

    first news item thats getting real recognition.RIP and condolences to his family.MADIBA

  38. Observer
    December 5, 2013

    Rest in peace Mandela, though we will miss you, your work on earth is done, and was well done. We will always remember you.

  39. Anonymous
    December 5, 2013

    rip hero for black people

    • Me
      December 6, 2013

      Hero for everybody – he was a man of love and forgiveness. Something we can all learn and benefit from.

  40. December 5, 2013

    Rest In Paradise Madiba…
    You left an indelible imprint on this world, with your struggles against a brutal and racist regime.
    I hope that one day, all politicians over the world can emulate your consciousness and values that you instilled within yourself and your country.
    Jah Bless you Mandela. I know that the ancestors are waiting to embrace your beautiful spirit!

  41. December 5, 2013

    A great human being.

  42. jane messam
    December 5, 2013

    Sir Mandela RIP. You were a great human and I hope some of these power hungray men will look to you as a symbol of greatness, courage and respect. The world love you and will always remember you.

  43. Anonymous
    December 5, 2013

    The evil apartheid system stole 27 years of his life and God restored those 27 years and then some! Rest in peace Mr. Mandela!

  44. December 5, 2013

    :( this story brought me to tears.he was a real fighter

  45. "O" STRESS"
    December 5, 2013

    R.I.P. We have lost an ICON, the leader of the entire World an example of courage, humanity, Love for all. His legacy will leave on in the minds of all righteous people. To his entire family, and friends, all over the World he is gone but will always remain in our minds and Hearts. A true leader one who was prepared to Die for what he believed. Many, Many of us can learn countless things from this Liberator.

    • "O" STRESS"
      December 8, 2013

      He was called to serve God so his light will shine on Earth. The substance of his life and the things he did to teach us those many lessons will out live all of us so lets all take some examples from this great liberator and leave no doubt that when we are called to meet our maker our light will continue to shone for ever in other people`s life.Amen! gone but his legacy will live on for ever.

  46. Sout Man
    December 5, 2013

    As we salute Nelson Mandela, The Great Liberator, we must double our efforts to pick up the torch of nationa

    • Sout Man
      December 5, 2013

      …….pick up the torch of National Liberation and continue the work started by Mandela, Simon Bolivar, Jose Marti, Fidel Castro, Amilcar Carbral, Nkruma,Sekou Toure,, Jomo Kenyatta, Mugabe, Neto, Sam Nujoma,Samora Machel and Patrice Lumumba, among others.

      Thanks to activists like Dr Bernard Wilshire, PM Roosevelt Douglas, Para Reviere, PM Pierre Charles, Lawa, Lloyd Pascal, Greg Rabess, Ras Mo, Djamala and others, for making the Dominican populace aware of the ongoing struggle in Africa.

      THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES.

  47. Love I
    December 5, 2013

    Mandella your name will live forever….God chose you for this…you did well…He will say “Come, now and rest, my beloved friend”…God bless his soul..

  48. A Voice
    December 5, 2013

    Ohhhhh may his soul RIP. Great man, great symbol.

    When the chronicles of the history of humanity is written, Nelson Mandela will be right there amongst the best of them.

    It was an honor to breathe air together with that kind of caliber of men.

  49. December 5, 2013

    May your soul rest in peace

  50. say it loud
    December 5, 2013

    One of the greatest man who ever lived,some people could learn from your leadership. May your soul find peace in the lord.

  51. Chakademus
    December 5, 2013

    With much sadness we mourn the loss. One man who changed the world. Singlehandedly he altered the course of history and by his grace and wisdom lifted us all.

  52. Toomatoe Tomato
    December 5, 2013

    Another great man has left this world. R.I.P. Nelson Mandela. We knew the end was near, and yet your leaving is still a surprise in a way. This world is at a great loss because of your death.

    Sympathies to your family and the people of South Africa and indeed the world.

    Mandela made sure everyone in South Africa has a right to vote.

  53. shaka zulu
    December 5, 2013

    My hero. You will forever live in the memories of us black people. In my opinion you should be canonized a Saint. I am fortunate to witness your greatness.

    • Justice and Truth
      December 5, 2013

      In speaking to someone tonight about his passing, I told the person who knows, his soul is not far from Heaven, if he is not already in Heaven.
      He may not be publicly regarded as a canonized saint in the true sense of the word but in Heaven he will be one in the eyes of God. Those who are still alive and make it to Heaven will surely see him. May we be among the fortunate ones.

      • Anonymous
        December 6, 2013

        The church constantly talk about reconciliation and forgivness. He may not have done a “miracle” but after blacks were slaughtered for centuries you would think by now all whites would be wiped out from SA. this is forgivness from heaven and a mordern day miracle. We should start a petition have him placed with the saints.

  54. Shameless
    December 5, 2013

    RIP your Royal Highness!!! :( :( :( :( :( :( !

    I will weep for u, for I know the world can never replace your humility, grace, love and patience. See you on the other side some day.

    Assertive, NOT Agressive!

    • Justice and Truth
      December 5, 2013

      …And forgiveing. Remember how he forgave his greatest enemy and all others?
      At this time we should specifically remember what Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Unless you become as little children you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven…Unless you forgive from the heart, neither will my Heavenly Father forgive you…”
      These are words to ponder and keep in mind about Nelson Mandela who was all loving, humble and forgiving, conditions for obtaining eternal salvation. He did well in this respect.

  55. Blaque queen
    December 5, 2013

    The death of such a great man should force these power hungry Dominican politicians to stop and take a look at their motives. Are you in this for the people…or for yourselves? Rest in peace Mandiba :cry:

    • Justice and Truth
      December 5, 2013

      Please, not at this time when we are all saddened at and mourning his loss.

  56. open mind
    December 5, 2013

    Hmmm

  57. Anonymous
    December 5, 2013

    Another soldier gone, another good example lost to the knowledge of our young ones. Who are they to look to today as black people?

  58. Dr. G
    December 5, 2013

    The world has lost a great man. However, the values of respect and compassion he has taught us should not be lost. Your name will live on. Rest in peace Madiba.

  59. real possie
    December 5, 2013

    Rest in peace Sir u will live forever in our hearts,so long Madeba.

    • real possie
      December 5, 2013

      Madiba

  60. Malgraysa
    December 5, 2013

    A truly great man has died and the world will be poorer for this loss. May we never forget the example he set for all us.

  61. Anonymous
    December 5, 2013

    RIP Nelson Mandela such an inspiration.

  62. %
    December 5, 2013

    R.I.P brother. Your fight against apartheid in South Africa was not in vain.

  63. strong black woman
    December 5, 2013

    R.I.P a Hero to the Blacks and a strong will with determination to the others. Ur legacy will live on

  64. Ras
    December 5, 2013

    RIP Mr. Mandela your legacy will live on.

  65. forreal
    December 5, 2013

    rest in eternal great liberator

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