Mourners have gathered to dance and sing songs of freedom outside his home and celebrate the life of the adored statesman who brought peace and equality to South Africa. Imprisoned for 27 years before becoming his nation's first black president, his courage in the face of persecution made him the most potent symbol of the struggle against apartheid.
He passed away at home in Johannesburg at 8.50pm last night and his body was moved to a military hospital in Pretoria this morning. His beloved country has started eight days of mourning. 'Madiba' or 'Tata' as he was devotedly called will lie in state for three days in the capital Pretoria.
A state funeral will be held and next Saturday he will be buried in the Eastern Cape village of Quino, where he grew up. World leaders including U.S. President Barack Obama are expected to attend and he has joined the Queen and David Cameron in paying tribute to the 'hero of our time'.
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