Former South African President Nelson Mandela has died at the age of 95.

The official announcement came from South African President Jacob Zuma just before midnight local time. Mandela reportedly died roughly 3 hours earlier. His death was not much of a surprise as he has been in ill health for some time, indeed it may well have been a release for him.

In the coming days many things will be written about the dignity of this man but for now it seems proper just to take time to remember all that he did for his nation.

This is certainly one of the more apolitical stories of the year, with everyone on all sides of the debate respecting his accomplishments.