Former president Nelson Mandela died peacefully at his home in Johannesburg, surrounded by his family on Thursday evening, President Jacob Zuma said.
"Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss," Zuma said addressing the nation on television.
"His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world."
He sent condolences to the anti-apartheid icon's wife Graca Machel, his former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, his children, his grand-children, his great grand-children and the entire family.
Zuma said this was South Africa's moment of "deepest sorrow".
"Our nation has lost its greatest son," he said.
"Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together, and it is together that we will bid him farewell."
He said Mandela would be given a state funeral and he ordered that all flags be flown at half mast from Friday and to remain like that until after the funeral.
"As we gather to pay our last respects, let us conduct ourselves with the dignity and respect that Madiba personified," Zuma said.
"Let us be mindful of his wishes and the wishes of his family."
He asked that people, wherever they were gathering in South Africa and the world, recall the values which Mandela fought for and strive to not rest until his vision of a truly united South Africa was realised.
"We will always love you Madiba. May your soul rest in peace.
"God Bless Africa. Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika."
- HUNDREDS ARRIVE TO MOURN MADIBA
Hundreds of people, some in pyjamas, arrived at former president Nelson Mandela's Houghton home in Johannesburg on Thursday night after the news that he died.
Mxolisi Ngwenya, 18, came with five friends after seeing the news on social media.
"That's when we decided to come to the house to check it out," he said.
"I'm sad, but I don't want to be sad. The fact that he passed away peacefully comforts me a bit."
President Jacob Zuma announced that Mandela died on Thursday night at 8.50pm.
Outside the house Zaid Paruk, 23, said certain days would make history, and the death of the icon would be a day remembered forever.
"We must pay tribute to Mandela, the best state leader of all time."
Raeesa Sader, 23, said she was not sure how she felt about the news.
"The news hasn't sunk in yet," she said.
Ridwaan Aboobaker, 23, said he was on a plane from Durban when he heard the news and drove to the house.
"It is going to take a long time for South Africa to get over the passing of such a great man."
Many police officers were outside the house. Parts of Fourth and 12th street were cordoned off. People parked their cars a few blocks away and walked to the house. At 12.30am more people arrived carrying bouquets of flowers. People took pictures of the house and all the cars parked in the road. A group sang traditional hymns outside the house while others lit candles.
Nelson Mandela dies
"Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss," Zuma said addressing the nation on television.
"His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world."
He sent condolences to the anti-apartheid icon's wife Graca Machel, his former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, his children, his grand-children, his great grand-children and the entire family.
Zuma said this was South Africa's moment of "deepest sorrow".
"Our nation has lost its greatest son," he said.
"Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together, and it is together that we will bid him farewell."
He said Mandela would be given a state funeral and he ordered that all flags be flown at half mast from Friday and to remain like that until after the funeral.
"As we gather to pay our last respects, let us conduct ourselves with the dignity and respect that Madiba personified," Zuma said.
"Let us be mindful of his wishes and the wishes of his family."
He asked that people, wherever they were gathering in South Africa and the world, recall the values which Mandela fought for and strive to not rest until his vision of a truly united South Africa was realised.
"We will always love you Madiba. May your soul rest in peace.
"God Bless Africa. Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika."
Hundreds of people, some in pyjamas, arrived at former president Nelson Mandela's Houghton home in Johannesburg on Thursday night after the news that he died.
Mxolisi Ngwenya, 18, came with five friends after seeing the news on social media.
"That's when we decided to come to the house to check it out," he said.
"I'm sad, but I don't want to be sad. The fact that he passed away peacefully comforts me a bit."
President Jacob Zuma announced that Mandela died on Thursday night at 8.50pm.
Outside the house Zaid Paruk, 23, said certain days would make history, and the death of the icon would be a day remembered forever.
"We must pay tribute to Mandela, the best state leader of all time."
Raeesa Sader, 23, said she was not sure how she felt about the news.
"The news hasn't sunk in yet," she said.
Ridwaan Aboobaker, 23, said he was on a plane from Durban when he heard the news and drove to the house.
"It is going to take a long time for South Africa to get over the passing of such a great man."
Many police officers were outside the house. Parts of Fourth and 12th street were cordoned off. People parked their cars a few blocks away and walked to the house. At 12.30am more people arrived carrying bouquets of flowers. People took pictures of the house and all the cars parked in the road. A group sang traditional hymns outside the house while others lit candles.
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