Nelson Mandela Dies

Nelson Mandela dead after intensive battle with lung infection

(RxWiki News) Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa, has died. He was 95.

Mandela had spent months in the hospital last June before being released in September to return home. He has been close to death several times.

"He is now resting," South African President Jacob Zuma said in a speech to the world. "He is now at peace."

Zuma continued, "Our nation has lost his greatest son. Our people have lost their father."

An iconic figure, Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years due to his revolutionary views and work in overturning apartheid in South Africa.

His lung problems began during his imprisonment at Robben Island prison near Cape Town, where he contracted tuberculosis.

Mandela was the first black South African to serve as president, an office he held from 1994 to 1999.

He later served at the Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement from 1998 to 1999.

Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

Review Date: 
June 22, 2013