1. MANDELA DEATH
Hero gone: He spent 27 years in prison. And for some that would have been the end of the story. But for Nelson Mandela it was the beginning. The beginning of an amazing struggle through racism that transformed South Africa and the world … The world mourned Mandela’s death yesterday.But it also celebrates his unbelievable legacy. He led his country out of decades of apartheid. He shrugged away bitterness and preached forgiveness. He became the country’s first black leader. A revered statesmen. The news came last night. After fighting illnesses for some time, Mandela passed away. “Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father,” South African President Jacob Zuma said. He was 95.
2. MANDELA REACTIONS
Humble, giant: From prime ministers to pop stars to a prince, emotional reactions came from all over the world on Mandela’s death. Oprah Winfrey said one of her biggest honors was to meet Mandela. “He was everything you’ve ever heard and more – humble and unscathed by bitterness.” Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called Mandela a “giant among men …” Former Secretary of State Colin Powell said he was moved by Mandela’s humbleness. “He was a humble, gentle, warm person, even though he was a fighter on the military stage as well as the political stage,” Powell said. U2 frontman Bono talked about Mandela’s legacy saying: “In the end, Nelson Mandela showed us how to love rather than hate, not because he had never surrendered to rage or violence, but because he learnt that love would do a better job.” Prince William was at a premiere of the film “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” when he heard. “It is extremely sad and tragic news,” Prince William said.
3. MANDELA WHAT’S NEXT
Ten days of mourning: For the Xhosa people of South Africa, death is traditionally not something to be talked about or to be planned. But those close to Mandela had little choice when he was ailing and then moved to life support. In the final years of his life, secret plans were hammered out between the government, the military and his family. They knew they had to plan a farewell fitting such a great man.The 10 days of mourning will combine western traditions and those of the Thembu, Mandela’s native clan, sources tell CNN. For the first four days traditional leaders will gather around Mandela for a ceremony called “the closing of the eyes.” During the ceremony, they’ll talk to him along with tribal ancestors to explain what’s happening at each and every stage to ease the transition from life to beyond. Afterwards, it is believed, Mandela’s body will be embalmed.
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article courtesy of CNN.com
