Nelson Mandela, whose victory against apartheid united his native South Africa and changed the course of modern history, has died following a long illness.
The Nobel Peace laureate, who spent nearly three decades as a political prisoner before going on to lead his country, passed away at his Johannesburg home surrounded by his family.
South African President Jacob Zuma said "the nation has lost its greatest son", adding: "He is now resting. He is now at peace."
Nelson Mandela, who was 95, will get a state funeral and national flags will be lowered to half-mast.
He had been receiving medical treatment for the last three years for a prolonged lung infection and for the last six months had been critically ill.
"Our people have lost a father," said President Zuma. "Although we knew this day was going to come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss. "His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world. His humility, passion and humanity, earned him their love."
The anti-apartheid icon served as South Africas first black president from 1994 to 1999 after spending 27 years in jail, including the notorious Robben Island prison.
Madiba - as he was affectionately known by many South Africans - was released in 1990 and went on to guide his country to democracy, bringing an end to white minority rule and securing black people the right to vote.
One woman among the crowds told Sky News: "Were really really sad but we show this by singing ... the struggle songs all in his memory. He left a huge legacy, everybody still looks up to him all over the world." "I hope the whole world is behind us - even after his passing."
The former presidents body has been taken to a military hospital in Pretoria. Details of his funeral have not yet been announced.
Source - Sky News