Mandela: From Prisoner to President to Prince of Humanity

He came into a hostile and unforgiving world. Greater evil was visited upon him. He was incarcerated for a generation, 27 years. He lent his shoulders to carry the burden and hopes of his countrymen and humanity in general. What is more, he reigned supreme, conquered fear, inspired the world and left it a better place.

Mandela was a saint in the sense of a sinner always trying. Above all else he was an icon who will be remembered among the greatest in the 20th century.

The tributes tell it all; from present and former world leaders, musicians, clerics and sports personalities. Mandela's charm made him dance with kids, crack jokes with Hollywood stars and reprimand the world's most powerful leaders.

What Gandhi was to India and Lincoln to America, Mandela was to Suth Africa/Africa and humanity.

Fare thee well Madiba, you left us a richer world thanks to your sacrifice and selflessness.

Born July 18th 1918, he died at 95 and many will remember him as the man who beat apartheid.