Leaders and family members have praised Nelson Mandela as a man and president who united his nation by embracing forgiveness and reconciliation.

South African military jets and helicopters have flown over after pallbearers placed Nelson Mandela’s casket over the grave following his funeral ceremony.

Big guns have fired a salute in the rural village where Nelson Mandela grew up and military servicemen marched stiffly behind his casket on a winding dirt road as South Africa said goodbye for the last time to the man who reconciled the country in its most vulnerable period.

Nelson Mandela’s tearful widow was among scores of mourners who paid their last respects before his open casket, as the much-loved leader lay in state.

Celebrating one of his personal heroes, president Barack Obama has praised Nelson Mandela as the last great liberator of the 20th century, urging the world to carry on his legacy by fighting inequality, poverty and discrimination.

South Africans were praised for the “dignified” way in which they have commemorated the death of Nelson Mandela as the memorial service for the anti-apartheid hero got under way.

The sad passing of Madiba is all part of life and he will be remembered by everyone who seeks justice and fair play. Mr Mandela was first and foremost a revolutionary despised by so many for so long, especially our close neighbour.

From political posters to bottles of wine and kitchen aprons, the face and name of Nelson Mandela are a potent commercial and political brand in South Africa. Little wonder it’s so sought after — and the source of occasional squabbles.

South Africans have flocked to houses of worship for a national day of prayer and reflection to honour former president Nelson Mandela.

The origin of the famous ‘ooh aah’ salute to former Ireland soccer captain Paul McGrath being chanted for Nelson Mandela in Dublin in 1990 has been revealed by former president Mary McAleese.

Nelson Mandela’s two youngest daughters were told of the death of their father at Thursday’s London premiere of a film celebrating the life of the iconic anti-apartheid fighter.

Morgan Freeman, who played Nelson Mandela in the Oscar- nominated film Invictus after being chosen by the icon himself as his favoured actor, hailed the late South African leader as a “giant” of the 20th century.

The anti-apartheid icon attracted stars from all over the world, but cut through all the glitz and glamour with trademark charm and humility, reports Justine Gerardy

South Africans called it the “Madiba magic” after his clan name — Nelson Mandela’s quirky mix of grandeur and simplicity, his ready quips, his ability to relate to the poor, his colourful custom-made shirts and his dancing prowess.

South Africans united in mourning for Nelson Mandela yesterday, but while some celebrated his remarkable life with dance and song, others fretted that the anti-apartheid hero’s death would make the nation vulnerable again to racial and social tensions.

Nelson Mandela embodied the best qualities of humanity and inspired them in others, writes Bob Geldof

President Michael D Higgins will represent Ireland at the State memorial service for Nelson Mandela.

A minute’s applause will take place at all football matches in the Premier League, Football League and FA Cup this weekend to mark the passing of Nelson Mandela.

South Africans have gathered to mourn the death of Nelson Mandela – and celebrate his colossal life.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has described the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela as ``a great light extinguished''.

Down the centuries, each era of human development has shown an extraordinary capacity to produce leaders of great stature. The passing of Nelson Mandela has taken from the South African people, and the world at large, one of the greatest figures of this or any age.

Nelson Mandela, the pioneering president who helped to end apartheid in South Africa, has died at the age of 95.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter paid a moving tribute to his “dear friend” Nelson Mandela following the death of the former South African president.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has described the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela as ``a great light extinguished''.

Former South African president Nelson Mandela has died aged 95, the country's president Jacob Zuma said tonight.

U2 have released new material for the first time since 2009.

Nelson Mandela was discharged from hospital yesterday while still in a critical condition and was taken by ambulance to his Johannesburg home where he will receive intensive care, the office of South Africa’s president said.

Nelson Mandela remains in a critical but stable condition, South African President Jacob Zuma said, more than two months after the anti-apartheid hero was hospitalised with a recurring lung infection.

South Africa has been celebrating Nelson Mandela's 95th birthday, a milestone capped by news that the former president's health was improving after fears that he was close to death during ongoing hospital treatment.

Nelson Mandela has made “dramatic progress” and may be going home “any time soon” his daughter said as the former South African president celebrates his 95th birthday today.

Nelson Mandela is in critical but stable condition, the South African government said, while a close friend said the anti-apartheid leader was conscious and responsive earlier this week.

Retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu has warned the Mandela family to end a bitter feud over his burial site.

Nelson Mandela is being kept alive by a breathing machine and faces “impending death”, South African court documents show.

President Barack Obama challenged young Africans to fulfill the legacy of South Africa’s beloved former leader Nelson Mandela.

US President Barack Obama paid tribute to ailing former South African leader Nelson Mandela today as an inspiration to himself and to the world.

Members of Nelson Mandela’s family and tribal elders gathered today at the former president’s rural hometown in eastern South Africa, as concern grew for the 94-year-old leader who spent a third day in critical condition in a hospita.

South Africa’s president has urged his compatriots to show their appreciation for Nelson Mandela, who is in critical condition in a hospital, by marking his 95th birthday next month with acts of goodness that honour the legacy of the anti-apartheid leader.

South Africa’s president urged the country to pray for critically ill Nelson Mandela, describing him as the “father of democracy” who made extraordinary sacrifices on behalf of his people.

Nelson Mandela’s health has deteriorated and he is in critical condition, the South African government said.

Nelson Mandela’s health is continuing to improve but the anti-apartheid hero remains in a serious condition, South Africa’s president said today.

Nelson Mandela remains in a serious but stable condition in a Pretoria hospital with a recurring lung infection.

South Africans have said their thoughts are with former president Nelson Mandela, who remains in a “serious but stable” condition after being taken to hospital to be treated for a recurring lung infection.

A lung infection that has plagued 94-year-old Nelson Mandela has struck again, prompting doctors to admit the former South African president to hospital.

Nelson Mandela is responding positively to hospital treatment for a recurring lung infection, officials say.