Nelson Mandela was a really important icon for South African people.  To listen to or read more about it access the link below.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2013/12/131206_witn_mandela.shtml

Nelson Mandela dies

Summary

6 December 2013
South Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela has died at the age of 95. Mr Mandela led South Africa's transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after 27 years in prison for his political activities. He had been receiving intensive medical care at home for a lung infection after spending three months in hospital.
Reporter:
Mike Wooldridge, Johannesburg
Nelson Mandela
Mandela became a worldwide symbol of resistance to apartheid