Nelson Mandela Dead at 95

That Grape Juice is saddened to report that famed South African political activist Nelson Mandela has died at age 95.  Succumbing to a lengthy battle with recurring lung infection, the former South African president has made headlines over the past months for lingering in “critical condition”.

Full story below via 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.

Mandela, a former president, battled health issues in recent months, including a recurring lung infection that led to numerous hospitalizations.”