Today (5 December 2017) marks the third anniversary of the death of South African freedom icon and former President, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

The man, who was affectionately known as “Tata Madiba”, died on December 5, 2013 in Johannesburg. Ten days later on a hillside at his ancestral home in Qunu, Eastern Cape, South Africa, following a state funeral, he was laid to rest. Qunu’s most famous son had come home and the world shared in his family’s grief.

Mandela was an anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician and philanthropist who served as South African President from 1994 to 1999. He was the country’s first black head of state and the first to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by tackling deep rooted racism and fostering racial reconciliation in the country.

At his state funeral, which was graced by a number of world leaders, was attended by over 4000 invited guests. Ninety-five candles burned reflecting each year of his remarkable life.

– This edited story was published on http://www.africanews.com/

Pictured: The late Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

Picture credit: http://www.sahistory.org.za/