Winnie Mandela Has Died At The Age Of 81

Reuters: Winnie Mandela, 'mother', then 'mugger', of new South Africa

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Hailed as mother of the ‘new’ South Africa, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s legacy as an anti-apartheid heroine was undone when she was revealed to be a ruthless ideologue prepared to sacrifice laws and lives in pursuit of revolution and redress.

Her uncompromising methods and refusal to forgive contrasted sharply with the reconciliation espoused by her husband Nelson Mandela as he worked to forge a stable, pluralistic democracy from the racial division and oppression of apartheid.

The contradiction helped kill their marriage and destroyed the esteem in which she was held by many South Africans, although the firebrand activist retained the support of radical black nationalists to the end.

In her twilight years, Madikizela-Mandela, who died on Monday aged 81, had frequent run-ins with authority that further undermined her reputation as a fighter against the white-minority regime that ran Africa’s most advanced economy from 1948 to 1994.

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WNU Editor: The only ones who will miss her will be the country's radical black nationalists and their sympathizers.

Did Mossad Provide Weapons Training To Nelson Mandela In 1962?

Nelson Mandela, photographed in the early 1960s. The letter said Mandela was trained to use weapons and sabotage techniques, and 'the staff tried to make him into a Zionist'. Photograph: Staff photographer/Reuters/Corbis

Nelson Mandela 'Received Weapons Training From Mossad Agents In 1962' -- The Guardian

Secret letter lodged in Israeli state archives reveals South African icon underwent training under an assumed identity.

Nelson Mandela apparently underwent weapons training by Mossad agents in Ethiopia in 1962 without the Israeli secret service knowing his true identity, according to an intriguing secret letter lodged in the Israeli state archives.

The missive, revealed by the Israeli paper Haaretz two weeks after the death of the iconic South African leader, said Mandela was instructed in the use of weapons and sabotage techniques, and was encouraged to develop Zionist sympathies.

Mandela visited other African countries in 1962 in order to drum up support for the African National Congress's fight against the apartheid regime in South Africa. While in Ethiopia, he sought help from the Israeli embassy, using a pseudonym, according to the letter – classified top secret – which was sent to officials in Israel in October 1962. Its subject line was the "Black Pimpernel", a term used by the South African press to refer to Mandela.

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My Comment: How convenient it is to publish this story since it is too late to ask Nelson Mandel if this story is true or not.

Nelson Mandela's Memorial Service At The Soccer City Stadium In Soweto, South Africa (Complete Video)

Nelson Mandela In His Own Words

Nelson Mandela Death: In His Own Words -- BBC

Nelson Mandela's ability to use words to breathe life into his cause was one of his most powerful weapons in the struggle for black equality in South Africa.

Here is a selection of some of his most compelling quotes.

Conclusion of his three-hour defence speech at his 1964 trial for sabotage and treason:

"I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. 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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More News On Nelson Mandela In His Own Words

'I Am Fundamentally an Optimist': With Nelson Mandela's death, a look back at the South African leader's legendary life -- in his own words. -- Foreign Policy
Mandela, in his own words -- FOX News
Nelson Mandela's Most Inspirational Quotes -- ABC News
15 of Nelson Mandela's best quotes -- Jessica Durando, USA TODAY
In His Own Words: Quotes from South Africa’s Nelson Mandela -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Nelson Mandela’s Most Inspiring Quotes -- Daily Beast

Commentaries, Opinions, Analysis, And Quotes On The Life Of Nelson Mandela (Updated)

How Nelson Mandela Transcended Race Barriers To Become A symbol Of Resistance And Exemplar Of Human Generosity Of Spirit -- Max Hastings, Daily Mail

'During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to the struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. 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' - Nelson Mandela, August 1962

Nelson Mandela was the most famous black man in history.

He transcended race barriers to become an exemplar of human generosity of spirit. His towering personality made possible the peaceful transfer of power in South Africa from white minority to black majority rule.

If he was less effective as president of his country than he had been as the symbol of resistance to apartheid, he demonstrated statesmanship unmatched in Africa.

He inspired love as much as respect, and became regarded by hundreds of millions of people as a secular saint.

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Commentaries, Opinions, Analysis, And Quotes On The Life Of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela, 1918–2013: Remembering an Icon of Freedom -- Richard Stengel, Time

South Africans contemplate life without Mandela -- Zaheer Cassim and Jesse Singal, Special for USA TODAY
Analysis: Mandela's party weakened but survives -- Barry D. Wood, Special for USA TODAY
South Africa Faces Difficulties After Mandela -- Alex Perry, Time
Madiba: A symbol of the power of good -- Mark Gevisser, Mail & Guardian
Nelson Mandela, the conscience of the world -- Eugene Robinson, Washington Post
The Character of Nelson Mandela -- Max Boot, Commentary
Mandela’s achievements live in contrast to South Africa’s neighbours -- Kelly McParland, National Post
What’s so special about Mandela? -- AFP
Mandela 'never took the power to his head' -- Charles Krauthammer, FOX News
How Mandela Changed South Africa -- John Campbell and Ralph Bunche, Council on Foreign Relations
The Indispensable Man: Nelson Mandela -- Howard Chua-Eoan, Time
Mandela: The Miracle Maker -- Sam Seibert, Daily Beast
Nelson Mandela, 1918-2013: Remembering an Icon of Freedom -- Richard Stengel, Time
Why is Nelson Mandela so revered? -- Charles Crawford, The Commentator
A South African Icon of Peaceful Resistance -- Lydia Polgreen, New York Times
Nelson Mandela, from apartheid fighter to president and unifier -- Reuters
What Mandela meant -- Nicholas Wapshott, Reuters
Nelson Mandela's legacy will live on -- Donna Brazile, CNN
Nelson Mandela: Tireless even in his 'retirement' years -- By Simon Hooper, CNN
How Mandela tried to heal the wounds of apartheid -- CBS 60 Minutes
What made Nelson Mandela great -- John Battersby, CNN
The Mandela I knew -- capacity to forgive made South African leader extraordinary -- Juan Williams, FOX News
Nelson Mandela: A Great Leader Dies -- Susan Adams, Forbes
A Tribute to Nelson Mandela by Pulitzer Winner David Turnley -- Time
South Africa Faces Difficulties After Mandela -- Alex Perry, Time
My first memory of Nelson Mandela -- Haru Mutasa, Al Jazeera
Five Unexpected Facts About Nelson Mandela -- ABC News
Bono Honors The Man Who Could Not Cry -- Bono

Reactions To The Death Of Nelson Mandela (Updated)

Nelson Mandela Death: World Reaction -- BBC

People around the world have been reacting to the news that South Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela has died, aged 95.

World leaders

South African President Jacob Zuma announced Nelson Mandela's death, saying South Africa had lost "its greatest son" and calling on South Africans to conduct themselves with the "dignity and respect" that Mr Mandela personified.

Although we knew this day was going to come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss," he said.

US President Barack Obama spoke shortly afterwards. "We've lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this earth," he said.

"Through his fierce dignity and unbending will to sacrifice his own freedom for the freedom of others, Madiba transformed South Africa and moved all of us. His journey from a prisoner to a president embodied the promise that human beings and countries can change for the better."

Russian President Vladimir Putin said: "Mandela, having gone through the most difficult ordeals, was committed to the end of his days to the ideals of humanism and justice."

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the Chinese people would always remember Mr Mandela's "outstanding contributions to the China-South Africa relationship and the course of progress of mankind".

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More News On Reactions To The Death Of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela death: the world's front pages -- The Telegraph
World leaders pay tribute to Nelson Mandela -- France24
Global leaders hail Mandela as towering force for justice -- FOX News
Great and the good pay tribute to Nelson Mandela as news of his death spreads across the globe -- Daily Mail
Nelson Mandela dies: live reaction from around the world -- The Telegraph
President Obama speaks on Nelson Mandela; others remember his legacy -- PBS
Latest Updates: Global Reaction to the Death of Nelson Mandela -- New York Times
Reactions to Nelson Mandela’s death -- Washington Post
World leaders react to the passing of Mandela -- Al Jazeera
Nelson Mandela: World Leaders, Celebrities React to Death of Former South African President -- ABC News
World reacts to death of Nelson Mandela -- CBS
World grieves Nelson Mandela's death -- USA Today
World Leaders Mourn the Death of Nelson Mandela -- Time
Emotional President Obama Leads Outpouring Of Tributes From Around The World At News Of Nelson Mandela's Death -- Daily Mail
Nelson Mandela: world leaders mourn inspirational figure -- The Guardian
Queen 'deeply saddened' by death -- The Telegraph
Nelson Mandela: Sport pays tribute to former South Africa president -- BBC
Boxing Great Muhammad Ali Pays Tribute to Mandela -- AP
'We have just been reminded what an extraordinary and inspiring man he was': William's tribute as he and Kate leave premiere of film about Mandela's life... that they viewed unaware he was already dead -- Daily Mail
Celebrities React To Mandela’s Passing -- Time
UN's Ban Ki-moon: Mandela was a 'giant for justice' -- BBC
Springboks pay tribute to Mandela -- The Telegraph
Nelson Mandela: Bob Geldof pays tribute -- The Telegraph

Nelson Mandela 1918 - 2013: Live Updates And A News Roundup (Updated)

NELSON MANDELA 1918 - 2013: Former Leader Will Lie In State For Three Days In A Glass-Fronted Coffin During Ten-Day Mourning Period As South Africa Prepares For The Biggest Funeral Of The Century -- Daily Mail

* After ten days of mourning in South Africa, Nelson Mandela's state funeral will be on Sunday, December 15
* Mourners have gathered outside his home and national landmarks to dance and sing in his memory
* Former president passed away home in Johannesburg. He'd spent three months in hospital with lung infection
* His body has been taken to a military hospital in Pretoria, where he will be embalmed and prepared to lie in state
* South African President Jacob Zuma confirmed Mandela’s death before 9pm local time (7pm GMT) in TV address
* 'Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves’
* President Obama paid emotional tribute, saying: 'I cannot fully imagine my life without example Mandela set'
* David Cameron said a 'great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time...'
* He was discharged in September and had been receiving home-based medical attention since then
* Death came as Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended London premiere of biopic Long Walk To Freedom

Nelson Mandela started his final journey today as his body was taken from his home in a coffin draped in the South African flag he loved so ardently as it was announced his funeral will be on Sunday, December 15.

Before then, from December 11 to 13, the anti-apartheid hero's body will lie in state in a glass-topped coffin at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where he was inaugurated as president on May 10, 1994.

It will mark three of the ten days officially assigned as a mourning period for 'Madiba' or 'Tata' as he was devotedly called, ahead of what is expected to be the one of the biggest funerals in history.

Mourners have gathered to dance and sing songs of freedom outside his home as the world celebrates the life of the adored statesman who brought peace and equality to his country and died last night aged 95.

He passed away at home in Johannesburg at 8.50pm yesterday and his body was moved to a military hospital in Pretoria this morning, where he is under armed guard.

Imprisoned for 27 years before becoming South Africa's first black president, his courage in the face of persecution made him the most potent symbol of the struggle against apartheid, and an inspiration to millions in his country and billions beyond.

South African president Jacob Zuma announced this afternoon Nelson Mandela’s state funeral will be held in Quino, the village where he grew up, and is likely to be attended by world leaders including David Cameron and Barack Obama.

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Live Updates On The Death Of Nelson Mandela

Live coverage on the death of Nelson Mandela: Live -- BBC
Nelson Mandela: tributes and reaction to his death - live updates -- The Guardian
Nelson Mandela Dies: Live -- Reuters
LIVE: World mourns passing of Nelson Mandela -- AFP
Live: Nelson Mandela death leaves South Africa in mourning -- Sydney Morning Herald
Nelson Mandela dies: reaction and developments - live -- The Telegraph
Nelson Mandela dead: Live updates after news former South African president has died aged 95 -- Mirror
Live blog: The death of Nelson Mandela -- L.A. Times

More News On The Death Of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela Funeral Set For Dec. 15 -- Time
South Africa mourns Mandela, will bury him on December 15 -- Reuters
South Africa, world mourn Nelson Mandela's death, celebrate his legacy -- FOX News
Dancing in pyjamas and dressing gowns to the sounds of the vuvuzela, South Africans' extraordinary celebration of the man who won their freedom -- Daily Mail
Nelson Mandela death: South Africans pay tribute to national icon with celebration and sadness -- CBS/AP
Will this be the biggest funeral in history? Mandela to have 10-day state memorial and Obama, Clinton and Cameron are expected to attend service on Sunday, December 15 -- Daily Mail
Nelson Mandela funeral: what happens now -- The Telegraph
South Africa's Nelson Mandela dies in Johannesburg -- BBC
Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid icon and father of modern South Africa, dies -- CNN
Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s Liberator as Prisoner and President, Dies at 95 -- New York Times
Nelson Mandela Dies at 95 -- Wall Street Journal
Nelson Mandela, prisoner and president, fought white rule and led South Africa to democracy -- FOX News/AP
Mandela, first black South African president, apartheid foe, dies at 95 -- UPI
Nelson Mandela dies; former president of South Africa was 95 -- Washington Post
Nelson Mandela Dies at 95 -- Voice of America
Nelson Mandela dies -- Al Jazeera
Nelson Mandela Dead: Icon of Anti-Apartheid Movement Dies at 95 -- ABC News
Nelson Mandela, rights activist, dies -- USA Today
Nelson Mandela, former South African president, dies at age 95 -- CBS
'He is now at peace': Nelson Mandela dead at 95 -- NBC
Nelson Mandela, Who Led South Africa Past Era of Apartheid, Dies at Age 95 -- Bloomberg Businessweek
NELSON MANDELA DIES: Anti-apartheid, rights icon dead at 95 -- FOX News

Timeline

Timeline: Life and times of Nelson Mandela -- Reuters
Infographic: The Life of Nelson Mandela -- ABC News
5 key moments in Mandela’s life -- Washington Post
Nelson Mandela at a glance -- The Telegraph
Special report: The life and legacy of Nelson Mandela -- France 24
Nelson Mandela death: The man who destroyed apartheid -- BBC

Obituary

Obituary: Nelson Mandela (Video) -- BBC News
Obituary: Nelson Mandela -- BBC
OBITUARY - Nelson Mandela, from apartheid fighter to president and unifier -- Reuters
Nelson Mandela obituary: one of the most inspiring figures of the 20th century -- The Telegraph (6 parts)
Nelson Mandela obituary part two: stirring up trouble
Nelson Mandela obituary part three: domestic and political strife
Nelson Mandela obituary part four: a marked man
Nelson Mandela obituary part five: imprisoned on Robben Island
Nelson Mandela obituary part six: guiding South Africa from apartheid to democracy

Photo Gallery

Nelson Mandela: 1918 - 2013 -- Reuters
Nelson Mandela death: A life in pictures -- BBC
Photos: Global tributes to Nelson Mandela -- CNN
The evolution of Nelson Mandela -- CNN
In Pictures: Nelson Mandela's legacy -- Al Jazeera
Nelson Mandela Through the Years -- ABC News
Nelson Mandela in pictures -- The Telegraph

Breaking News: Nelson Mandela Has Died At The Age Of 95

Nelson Mandela, Anti-Apartheid Icon And Father Of Modern South Africa, Dies -- CNN

Nelson Mandela, the revered statesman who emerged from prison after 27 years to lead South Africa out of decades of apartheid, has died, South African President Jacob Zuma announced late Thursday.

Mandela was 95.

"He is now resting. He is now at peace," Zuma said. "Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father."

"What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human," the president said in his late-night address. "We saw in him what we seek in ourselves."

Mandela will have a state funeral. Zuma ordered all flags in the nation to be flown at half-staff from Friday through that funeral.

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WNU Editor: A full news roundup on the death of Nelson Mandela will be posted later tonight. May he rest in peace.

This Is Nelson Mandela's Family?

Nelson Mandela's Family Fights Over Funeral Broadcast Rights -- The Australian/The Times

THEY have fought over bodies, burials, trust funds and wine labels. Now Nelson Mandela's squabbling offspring are fighting over the broadcasting rights to his funeral.

Makaziwe Mandela, the former president's eldest daughter, held talks with the South African Broadcasting Corp and government officials last month demanding "preferential" access for CNN, the American network.

Although details of Mr Mandela's state funeral have not been released - it is deemed inappropriate while he clings to life in hospital - it is expected to be one of the most widely watched send-offs in broadcasting history.

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My Comment: Nelson Mandela deserves better.

Report: Former South African President Mandela Is In A Permanent Vegetative State

Nelson Mandela Is In 'Vegetative State And Warring Family Were Advised To Turn Off Life Support EIGHT DAYS Ago', Explosive Court Papers Reveal As Children Are Reburied -- Daily Mail

* Mandela needs a life support machine to help breathe, documents say
* But South African government denies reports, claiming he is in a 'critical but stable' condition
* Mandla Mandela accused his relatives of adultery and milking fame
* Remains of Nelson Mandela's three children were reburied at original site
* Graca Machel: Mandela is sometimes uncomfortable but seldom in pain
* Jacob Zuma: Former president remains in a critical but stable condition

Doctors advised Nelson Mandela's family that his life support should be turned off because he was in a 'permanent vegetative state', court documents reveal.

The revelation from members of the former president's family came as part of a family dispute over the graves of three of his children.

Court documents from June 26 said: 'He is in a permanent vegetative state and is assisted in breathing by a life support machine.

'The Mandela family have been advised by the medical practitioners that his life support machine should be switched off.

'Rather than prolonging his suffering, the Mandela family is exploring this option as a very real probability.'

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More News On Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela in 'permanent vegetative state', court was told -- The Telegraph
Nelson Mandela's health 'perilous,' court documents say -- CNN
Nelson Mandela family feud deepens as Mandla hits back -- BBC
Nelson Mandela on life support, court documents show -- USA Today/AP
Mandela family feud angers South Africa -- Washington Post
Mandela family dirty linen aired as brother accuses brother -- L.A. Times
'Mandela vs Mandela' Family Feud Sinks to Soap Opera Drama -- Voice of America
Unseemly Mandela family feud bursts into the open at sensitive time -- NBC
Nelson Mandela family feud: What is it about? -- Christian Science Monitor
South Africa presidency denies Mandela in "permanent vegetative state" -- CBS/AP
Mandela's Condition Unchanged Government Says -- Voice of America

Nelson Mandela Is On Life Support - News Roundup

Nelson Mandela Is On Life Support And 'Family Has The Option To Switch Off', Claim South African Sources -- Daily Mail

* South African icon cannot breathe unaided, claim sources close to family
* He is in hospital in a critical condition with a recurring lung infection
* Close family members yesterday held an emergency meeting at his home
* Hundreds of messages and flowers have been left outside the hospital
* Archbishop of Cape Town offers prayer for 'a peaceful, perfect end'

Nelson Mandela is on life support, according to a South African tribal chief.

In South Africa's Eastern Cape province, where Mandela grew up, a traditional leader said the time was near for Mandela, who is also known by his clan name, Madiba.

'I am of the view that if Madiba is no longer enjoying life, and is on life support systems, and is not appreciating what is happening around him, I think the good Lord should take the decision to put him out of his suffering,' said the tribal chief, Phathekile Holomisa.

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More News On Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela 'on life support' -- The Telegraph
Nelson Mandela is on life support: reports -- Sydney Morning Herald
Nelson Mandela 'on life support' in Pretoria hospital -- The Australian
Prayers Urged for Critically Ill Mandela -- Voice of America
South African leader cancels trip amid concern over Mandela -- CBC/AP
Nelson Mandela still critical as Zuma cancels trip -- BBC
Mandela still critical, Zuma cancels Mozambique trip -- Reuters
Jacob Zuma cancels Mozambique trip after seeing Nelson Mandela in hospital -- The Guardian
As World Awaits News on Mandela, Tensions Rise Over Media Swarm -- New York Times

My Comment: If he is on life support .... he will not be with us for too long.

South Africa's Nelson Mandela In "Critical" Condition

Mandela In "Critical" Condition In South African Hospital -- Voice of America

JOHANNESBURG — Anti-apartheid icon and former South African president Nelson Mandela is in critical condition after more than two weeks in a Pretoria hospital. South Africa President Jacob Zuma made the statement Sunday night. Mandela is now 94 years old and has been suffering from a lung infection.

Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj says Mandela's condition has deteriorated in the last 24 hours. He was admitted to the hospital on June 8. It is his fourth hospitalization since December.

Maharaj did not give any specific details of the anti-apartheid icon's condition, aside from classifying it as critical. Maharaj referred to Mandela by his clan name, Madiba.

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More News On Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela critically ill in hospital -- BBC
Nelson Mandela in critical condition as anxious nation waits -- CNN
Mandela's health worsens, condition now 'critical' -- Reuters
South Africa: Nelson Mandela's condition worsened to "critical" -- CBS/AP
Nelson Mandela critical, says South African President -- Sydney Morning Herald
Nelson Mandela’s condition slips to ‘critical’ -- Globe and Mail

Nelson Mandela 'Unresponsive And Has Not Opened His Eyes For Days'

Nelson Mandela 'Unresponsive And Has Not Opened His Eyes For Days' As Family Is Said To Be Discussing Whether To Withdraw Medical Treatment -- Daily Mail

* Nelson Mandela allegedly 'unresponsive for days' at Pretoria hospital
* Apartheid hero's liver and kidneys down to 50 per cent, according to report
* Contradicts reports by family and officials that Mandela's health is improving

Nelson Mandela is unresponsive and his immediate family is now discussing whether to withdraw treatment, it has been claimed.

The 94-year-old has been in hospital for two weeks battling a recurring lung infection, but previous statements have indicated that Mr Mandela’s health is improving.

According to a new source, Mr Mandela’s liver and kidney functions are down to 50 per cent and he has not opened his eyes for days.

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Update: Mandela's ambulance broke down, stranding him for 40 minutes -- CBS

My Comment: His time is almost up. It would not surprise me if in the next few days/weeks/month or two/etc. .... we will hear the news that he has passed away.

Nelson Mandela In A South African Hospital With A Grave Lung Infection

Nelson Mandela In Serious Condition In Hospital, Says South Africa -- The Guardian

Wife with former leader as he is treated for recurring lung infection, but he is stable, conscious and can breathe unaided

It has become an increasingly frequent occurrence but each time the anxiety deepens rather than diminishes. At 1.30am on Saturday, when the affluent suburbs of Johannesburg were dark and deathly quiet, Nelson Mandela was whisked from his home to hospital with a recurring lung infection.

South Africa's first black president, who turns 95 next month, is said to be in a serious condition – a rare choice of word for government officials who have played down past health scares.

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Update: Mandela remains in hospital as South Africans pray -- CBC/AP

My Comment: His time on this earth is almost over. Our prayers are with his family.