Pretoria – Former President Nelson Mandela’s two youngest daughters are expected back in the country today after attending the Royal Premiere of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom in London last night.
They received the news of their father’s passing during the screening and immediately left the cinema.
South Africa’s first democratically elected President passed away last night at 8.50pm.
Mandela spent almost three months in hospital this year after being admitted to the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital in June with a recurring lung infection.
He was discharged in September and was receiving home-based medical care.
President Jacob Zuma late on Thursday night announced Madiba's passing from the Union Buildings. He said Mandela had passed on peacefully in the company of his family.
Earlier this week, Madiba was honoured with the official launch of an opus, which tells a magnificent story in a unique way about his life.
The half-a-metre square opus has 850 pages, and is a special publication chronicling the life and times of the anti-apartheid icon.
The book, which weighs 37kg, is the ultimate work on Mandela’s life and legacy from his birth to his 95th birthday.
It tells his story in a definitive manner, featuring some of the finest writings and stunning images displayed on an unprecedented scale, which are presented in a beautifully-designed format.
The writing is accompanied by hundreds of rare and previously unpublished archive images, specially-commissioned photos and beautiful illustrations. – SAnews.gov.za
