VIDEO: What is Mandela's political legacy? - Press TV Africa Today

In a somber statement on South African national television on Thursday night, Zuma said Mandela had "departed" and was "at peace". "Our nation has lost its greatest son."

Mandela, who led South Africa's transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s after nearly three decades in prison, was one of the towering political figures of the 20th century.

He served as president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, and was the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election.