NELSON MANDELA was the glowing beacon of hope, shining across South Africa and the world, whose 27 years in jail left him without a trace of bitterness or hatred against those who practiced the evil of apartheid.

Nelson Mandela was the glowing beacon of hope, shining across South Africa and the world, whose 27 years in jail left him without a trace of bitterness or hatred against those who practised the evil of apartheid.

The driver of an overloaded van lost control, veered into the oncoming lane and collided with a lorry in central South Africa, leaving 30 people dead, police said today.

TODAY South Africans will go to the polls for the country's third elections under democratic rule.