Nelson Mandela, the founding father of an apartheid-free South Africa, died Friday around 1 a.m. South African time at 95-years-old.
According to NBC news, Mandela was suffering from a respiratory illness and had been receiving health care at home for the past six months.
President Obama followed the announcement of his death with a eulogy from the White House.
“He no longer belongs to us,” Obama said. “He belongs to the ages.”
NBC news reported that South Africans were celebrating Mandela’s life around 2 a.m. South African time by dancing in the streets and singing the national anthem in 12 different languages.
Maya Brown, junior and business management major, recalled her reaction to the news of Mandela’s death on Thursday.
“I was real emotional until I got on Facebook and saw all the comments about how wonderful and impactful he was,” Brown said. “It’s amazing that the world knows about the actions of such a beautiful person, because people like him are so rare. I was sad but happy at the same time.”
NBC news reporter Brian Phillips interviewed American journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault Thursday night. According to Hunter-Gault, Mandela transitioned to a different place.
“[Mandela] so much wanted his country to be united,” Hunter-Gault said. “South Africa will come together in light of his death just like Mandela wanted them to.”
In 1961, Mandela led a peaceful protest in South Africa against apartheid, an official policy of racial segregation involving political, legal and economic discrimination against nonwhites.
In 1963, Mandela was arrested for his efforts to end apartheid and he spent 27 years in prison. He was released Feb. 11, 1990 and in 1994 he was elected the first black president of South Africa. He served for only one term.
Former president Bill Clinton presented Mandela with the Congressional Gold Medal in 1998.
NBC’s Phillips also interviewed Mandela’s biographer Richard Stengel.
“He was the last existing pure hero,” Stengel said. “He was similar to George Washington because he stepped down from his presidency. Above all else he wanted to make sure there was prosperity and freedom for his people.”
Senior and nursing major Lizzy Gitterman said Mandela was a true inspiration to her because of all he stood for as he fought against apartheid.
“I pray that the changes he’s facilitated and worked his whole life for continue to better South Africa and the rest of the world,” Gitterman said. “Most people don’t go from being imprisoned to becoming president. He lived a long, full life, and his legacy isn’t going anywhere.”
Forbes magazine reported that Mandela’s funeral services will be held Dec. 15. He will be laid to rest in Qunu in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. There will also be a national day of reflection and prayer on Dec. 8 and 10 days of mourning.
