Nelson Mandela one of the great leaders of the 20th century has died aged 95.
Mandela passed away last night surrounded by his family. South African President Joseph Zuma announced the passing of Mandela in a nationally televised address.
“He is now rested, he is now at peace,” Zuma said, as huge crowds grew outside the former leader’s home. “Our nation has lost its greatest son, our people have lost a father.
“But though we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of the profound and enduring loss.
“Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish the profound and enduring loss.”
Mandela’s long fight against apartheid included 27 years imprisonment on Robben Island. Upon his release in 1990 he continued his campaign and was elected South Africa’s first black President in 1994.
Mandela also made his mark on LGBT rights, a longtime supporter of marriage equality – South Africa became the fifth country to allow same sex marriages, the country introduced anti-discrimination laws and Mandela argued against the homophobia in other Africa nations.
Watch the video below about creating the poignant portrait of Nelson Mandela.
