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TRUE HERO: Nelson Mandela

A VIGIL to mark the passing of anti-aparteid hero Nelson Mandela will take place in London this evening (Dec 6), it has been announced.

Action for Southern Africa (formerly the Anti-Apartheid Movement) will join with mourners outside South Africa House in Trafalgar Square at 6pm to celebrate the life of South Africa's first black President, who died in his Johannesburg home last night (Dec 5).

"The vigil is to mark the passing of Father Nelson Mandela, to celebrate the great man and leader he was, the inspiration, strength and hope he gave us all and to say goodbye," organisers said.

South African President Jacob Zuma announced the death of Mandela to the nation just after 10pm last night. Mandela's death followed months of ill-health. He had been suffering a recurrent lung infection and was receiving treatment at his family home.

Paying tribute, Zuma said: "Our people have lost their father. Although we knew this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of profound and enduring loss."

He revealed that Madiba, as the late icon was affectionately known, will be given a state funeral.

Mandela's body will be moved to a mortuary in Pretoria, and the state funeral is expected to take place next Saturday (Dec 14).

All flags in South Africa will be lowered to half-mast and will remain like that until after Mandela is laid to rest, Zuma said.

Mourners wishing to leave flowers, are asked to take them to the statue of Nelson Mandela in Parliament Square.