Updated: June 09, 2013, 12:00 AM
In pictures: Nelson Mandela's life
A file photo dated 1961 of South African anti-apartheid leader and African National Congress (ANC) member Nelson Mandela.
Nelson Mandela awaits for a lecture in honour of his 90th birthday in Soweto on July 12, 2008. Kim Ludbrook / EPA
Nelson Mandela smiles 22 June 1990 in New York, raising his arms over his head as he receives applause at the United Nations.
Nelson Mandela speaks to the press and fans on June 25, 1990 after finishing his joint statement with the then US President George Bush senior on the White House South Lawn. Kevin Larkin / AFP Photo
Former South African President Nelson Mandela, right, reacts with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, left, during the launch of a Walter and Albertina Sisulu exhibition, called, 'Parenting a Nation', at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, South Africa, o???
13 February 1990: of Former South African President Nelson Mandela (R) giving the clenched fist salute as he stands with his wife Winnie Mandela (L) during his 'Welcome Home Rally' in Soweto, South Africa. EPA/STR
Former French Prime Minister Pierre Mauroy, left, meets with Mandela in 1993. Fondation Jean Jaures / AFP Photo
South Africa's president Frederik W De Klerk meets Nelson Mandela, in Cape Town's government residence on February 9, 1990, announcing his release from jail.
Nelson and Winnie Mandela celebrate, moments after his release from Victor Verster prison in Western Cape in this February 11, 1990 file photo. Ulli Michel / Reuters
African National Congress President Nelson Mandela smiles on April 27, 1994 in Oshlange, near Durban, as he casts his historic vote during South Africa's first democratic and all-race general election.
Mandela hands over the William Webb Ellis Cup to the Springboks captain Francois Pienaar after South Africa defeated New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final on June 24, 1995. The story of Springboks' rugby success in post-apartheid South Africa was portr???
Mandela formally announces his retirement from public life in Johannesburg in this June 1, 2004 file photo. Mike Hutchings / Reuters
Hillary Clinton, the former US secretary of State, smiles as she is welcomed by the former South African President Nelson Mandela during a courtesy call at the Nelson Mandela foundation in Johannesburg on August 7, 2009. Denis Farrell / Reuters
Former South African president Nelson Mandela laughs beside his wife Graca Machel from the parliament gallery in Cape Town on February 11, 2010 during a celebration for the 20th year of the icon's freedom from apartheid prison. Schalk van Zuydam / AFP Pho??
President Nelson Mandela greets young supporters in Durban on April 16, 1994 during an election rally.