Former South African leader Nelson Mandela has died peacefully at the age of 95.

In a televised address, the country's president, Jacob Zuma said: "Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father." He urged the South African people to recall the values for which 'Madiba' fought.

"Let us reaffirm his vision of a society in which none is exploited, oppressed or dispossessed by another," he said. "We will always love you Madiba. May your soul rest in peace. God bless Africa."

Long a towering figure in world politics, Nelson Mandela began his journey in 1961 as a revolutionary fighting to defeat apartheid. After serving almost 30 years in jail for his part in South Africa's armed struggle, and amid escalating civil strife and international anti-apartheid protests, he was released.

Subsequent negotiations paved the way for South Africa's first fully representative, multiracial election. In that election he led the African National Congress (ANC) to victory, and in 1994 became the nation's first black President to hold the office.

Right-wing regimes such as the British government under Margaret Thatcher denounced him as a 'terrorist'.  But ultimately he received more than 250 honours, including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize, the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Soviet Order of Lenin for his anti-colonial and anti-apartheid stance.