On Thursday evening the sombre mood engulfed the whole World as the former South African President and the World`s most loved man Nelson Mandela passed away at an advanced stage of 95.
News of the South remembers a man with a kind heart and remarkable passion for football.
Mandela passed away in his Johannesburg home after a long battle with lung infection which has accounted for his frequent visits to the hospital for the past nine or so months.
His death has left many South Africans and many around the globe grieving for a man whose legacy will forever be cherished.
In 2010, Madiba, as he was affectionately known, saw his country successfully hosting the first ever World Cup on African soil and he should be credited for bringing the greatest show to the Rainbow country.
However, in February 1990, the then South African president F.W. de Klerk lifted the ban on the African National Congress and Nelson Mandela. The same year he was freed from jail after serving 27 years.
In June 1994 Mandela was convicted of treason charges before being sentenced to life imprisonment. He served the first 18 years at the famous Robben Island and later spent some time at Pollsmoor Prison and Victor Verster Prison.
After being released at the age of 71, Madiba , negotiated to end apartheid regime and he took over as South Africa’s first black Nationalist president after the country held its first democratic elections. He reunited the people of the rainbow nation under one umbrella which shows his wisdom.
Mandela led the country until 1999 and many still believe that he is the best leader the country has ever had. He was fundamental in bringing the World Cup to South Africa and his leadership and the spirit of forgiveness allowed sanctions to be lifted against his country.
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