On 5 December 2013, Nelson Mandela, the first President of South Africa to be elected in a fully representative democratic election, as well as the country’s first black head of state, died at the age of 95 after suffering from a prolonged respiratory infection. He led South Africa’s transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after being incarcerated for 27 years for his political activities, and focussed on wiping out the legacy of apartheid by ending racism, poverty, inequality, and promoting national reconciliation.
South Africa observed a national mourning period of 10 days. During this time numerous memorial services were conducted across the country. The official memorial service was held at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, on 10 December where the 95,000 seat stadium was two-thirds full because of the cold, rain, and transport challenges.[4] His body lay in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria from 11 to 13 December 2013. A state funeral was held on 15 December 2013 in Qunu in the Eastern Cape province, where his body was buried.
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