Today I’m foregoing Friday Photos as it seems wrong to write something so trivial on the same day of the death of someone who has had such a profound impact on the world.

Nelson Mandela’s name will forever be on the lips of those who believe in freedom and equality. He was born in 1919, he worked as a lawyer and was arrested for seditious activities on many occasions eventually being given a life sentence in 1962. After serving 27 years in prison international lobbying had him released in 1990. Since then he’s continued to increase his list of firsts:

• First black President in South Africa
• First President elected in a fully representative multiracial election

He followed his work in South Africa, after his retirement as President, by entering the world stage. Mandela didn’t change and was quite outspoken on many issues including HIV/AIDS, NATO Intervention in Kosovo and other wars around the world.

You can do your own research if you want more, in the 23 years since his release he’s done so much. The feeling people have for him is reflected in my Facebook and Twitter feeds both of which have been taken over to announce his passing and to send condolences to his family and friends.

Mandela has been ill for some time and while I never want a person of that stature to leave the world I’m content that he is finally out of pain and discomfort. He leaves South Africa and the world in a better place than when he entered it. I am proud to have lived at the same time as a person such as him. So much has, and will, be written about him, this is just my short piece.

I send my condolences to his family, friends and South Africa.