First Baby of 2015 in US

On 1st of January 2015, the first 2015 baby was born in the United States and even though it was a boy, he was Ghanaian.

Young Okatakyie Yaw Afiriyie Asare who was born to Bertha Asare weighed 7 pounds, 9.5 ounces and was born in the Mother Baby Centre, Minneapolis.

Lindsay Lohan Contracts Painful Virus While Vacationing In French Polynesia

Earlier, Lindsay Lohan contracted Chikungunya, an incurable virus transmitted by infected mosquitos, while vacationing in French Polynesia. The 28-year-old revealed she had caught the virus on her Twitter account on Saturday, warning her 8.6 million followers to use bug spray.

World Health Organization (WHO) describes Chikungunya as a viral disease that causes fever and severe joint pain. Because the virus has no cure, treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms, which could also include muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, headache and rash. According to WHO, severe complications are rare and most infected people will recover fully, though some may have lasting joint pain for several months or years.

Despite the setback, Lohan is maintaining a positive attitude. She posted an Instagram photo alongside pals on Monday with an optimistic caption:

The "Mean Girls" star touched down in Los Angeles on Dec. 30, but she has gorgeous photos to remember the good times from her two-week getaway. Check out some of her fabulous photos from the trip below:

Get well soon, Lindsay!

Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick welcome new baby

On Sunday, 13th of December, 2014, Scott and Kourtney welcomed their third baby who is actually their second son. 

For now, the baby's name has not been revealed but as long as it's a bundle of joy we're discussing, we wish them all the congrats in the world. 

We also look forward to an awesome name... Kardashian Expertise.

The EXOPA CEO, Mr. Ibrahim Sima Passes Away

Photo Coutesy MyJoyOnline

The CEO of a 'Popularly known' Modeling Agency, EXOPA, has been buried today after he passed away five days ago at the Nsawam Prisions in the Eastern Region from an injury he incurred during a football game.

Mr Ibrahim Sima was arrested on September 7, 2009 after a search for drugs at the Kotoka International Airport. He now lays at the Tema Community 9 Cemetery.

Courtesy:
myjoyonline

A Little Girl Wrote Google A Letter Asking To Give Her Dad A Day Off, And Google Responded

Here’s some advice on how to get some time off from work: Have your daughter send a really cute letter to your employer, asking them to give you a day off.

Bonus points if the letter is written in crayon.

One little girl decided to give her dad a hand. She wrote his employer, which happens to be Google, a letter, asking that they cut him some slack with the work schedule.

The letter reads:

Dear Google Worker,

Can you please make sure when daddy goes to work, he gets one day off. Like he can get a day off on Wednesday. Because daddy only gets a day off on Saturday.

From, Katie

P.S. It is Daddy’s BIRTHDAY

P.P.S. It is summer, you know

 This was the reply from her dad's boss:

I think its totally adorable.

Courtesy:

Story by: 

Karyne Levy, Business Insider

World Cup 2014

Today is the day!

Young Ghanaian Talent Advises the Danish Government

Elvis Kyere-Gyeabour, 27 from Ghana recently had an unusual opportunity. As member of a corps of dedicated, international, young people called the Youth Goodwill Ambassador Corps he temporarily got the chance to act as an adviser to the government of Denmark on how to attract international talents.    

On 26^th April a group of dedicated international, young talents met in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Denmark with H.R.H. Prince Joachim of Denmark. One of them was Elvis Kyere-Gyeabour form Ghana.

“It was an honor to meet HRH Prince Joachim in person. And an even greater experience to be part of a group giving advice to the Danish government in an area of great political attention in Denmark: How to attract more well educated, international talents,” says Elvis Kyere-Gyeabour.

Elvis Kyere-Gyeabour is part of a group called the Youth Goodwill Ambassador Corps, a group of all together 350 young international people activating their network to promote Denmark to peers in their home countries. The objective is to create bilateral student mobility opportunities and global careers.

”With the Youth Goodwill Ambassador Corps we are engaging international talents all over the world. In today’s global economy, talent mobility is a huge driver for intercultural exchange, innovation and exports. By working closely with our youth ambassadors, we are connecting Denmark with the home countries of our youth ambassadors on a people to people level, which already is showing great results,” HRH Prince Joachim of Denmark said when attending the summit.

Advising the Danish government

When 160 of the Youth Ambassadors – including Elvis Kyere-Gyeabour - met on the 26^th of April they at the same time handed over a number of recommendations to the Danish government and Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials.

“Knowledge and competencies are drivers for future growth. Denmark has international competitive strongholds within labour market flexibility, research and higher education, and great conditions for entrepreneurs and start-up companies. I am pleased to see how Youth Goodwill Ambassador Corps engages international talents from all over the world,” says Minister for Trade and Development Cooperation of Denmark, Mogens Jensen.  And he continues:

“In today’s global economy, attraction of highly qualified and skilled labour is crucial for international competiveness, innovation and entrepreneurship. By working closely with international students, we are connecting Denmark with the home countries of our youth ambassadors on a people to people level, which has already shown positive results.”

Some of the recommendations given by the Youth Goodwill Ambassadors and Elvis Kyere-Gyeabour to the Danish government are:

• Work-life balance, work-life balance and work-life balance. It is the main reason that talent pursues a career in Denmark. Denmark’s international communication should be even clearer about the unique opportunity in Denmark of being able to have an exciting career and a family life without compromise.

- 68.9 percent rated work-life balance as the primary reason that they will pursue a career in Denmark after completing their studies.

• International students would like to work in Denmark, but after graduating it takes them longer to find a job than they can afford financially or visa entitles them to stay. Help them find a student job so that they can stay in Denmark and also create value from day 1.

- 80 percent would like to have a student 

job in Denmark.

• Many international students would like to start our own business, so strengthen the conditions that allow them to become entrepreneurs and make sure that they can obtain a residence permit as self-employed. 

- 29.7 percent would like to start their 

own business in Denmark

“I found it a great privilege to have attended the Youth Ambassador Summit 2014 providing the Danish Government with me and my fellow ambassadors opinions on how Denmark can get even better at attracting talents and well educated people from around the globe,” says Elvis Kyere-Gyeabour.

The Youth Goodwill Ambassador Corps

The Youth Goodwill Ambassador Corps is founded by Copenhagen Capacity, Wonderful Copenhagen, Copenhagen Goodwill Ambassador Corps and the Danish Agency for Universities and Internationalization. Partner institutions include Copenhagen University, Aarhus University, Aalborg University, Copenhagen Business School and the Technical University of Denmark.

Contact:

Morten King-Grubert

Talent Attraction

Head of Department

M +45 61 30 45 26

mkg@copcap.com

L'Wren Scott's Apparent Suicide and 7 More Shocking Deaths in the Fashion World

 

The news that L'Wren Scott had been found dead in her New York apartment this morning came as a complete gut-check -- and with all indications being that she took her own life, her passing only becomes all the more mysterious as those who knew and loved her start looking for answers. But as has been the case for centuries with any creative pursuit and the people who do the creating, fashion has hardly wanted for tragic figures. Whether it was a death that came at an artist's own hands or a star-crossed twist of fate that senselessly pulled a visionary into the history books before his or her time, here are seven more shocking deaths that rocked the fashion world:

 

1. Alexander McQueen: The British designer who made skull prints a thing committed suicide in 2011 when he was only 40 and seemingly still at the top of his game, with a devoted celebrity  clientele and a Paris Fashion Week show days away. At an inquest held that April, it was heard that McQueen, depressed and "overwhelmed with grief" following the death of his mother, had taken cocaine, tranquilizers and sleeping pills before hanging himself at his London flat. Despite being in debt when he died, the Alexander McQueen luxury brand lives on, with boutiques around the world and creative director Sarah Burton continuing to send collections down the runway. Burton designed Kate Middleton's instant-classic wedding dress and Savage Beauty, a 2011 retrospective of McQueen's work at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, was one of the museum's most successful exhibits ever.

 

2. Gianni Versace: The famed Italian designer was murdered on the steps of his Miami Beach mansion after returning from a walk in 1997. He was 50, shot to death by Andrew Cunanan, who, it later turned out, killed at least four other people during a three-month period that year. Cunanan fatally shot himself eight days after killing Versace. The luxury brand has only grown over the years under the charge of Gianni's sister, Donatella Versace. "Gianni was amazing," Donatella later told New York magazine about her brother. "He really was amazing. But if he wasn't like that, he wouldn't have reached what he reached in such a short time...He was my best friend. I really loved him. I couldn't find a reason why he was killed. This was a horrible murder, and this company he created, they were looking at me like, 'What's she gonna do? The king is dead.'"

 

3. Isabella Blow: The troubled style icon and fashion editor killed herself in 2007 at the age of 48 by drinking weed killer. She had attemped suicide multiple times before, including once by jumping off of an elevated road in London, which left her with two broken ankles. Sadly, she was a close confidante of Alexander McQueen's (she basically discovered him), and her death shook him deeply. Instead of a floral arrangement, a Philip Treacy hat graced the coffin at her funeral that May, and Anna Wintour was among those who spoke at a big memorial held, fittingly, in September.

 

4. Gia Carangi: One of the world's first supermodels, the Philadelphia-born beauty graced numerous major magazine covers between 1979 and 1982 and appeared in ads for the likes of Christian Dior, Versace and Yves Saint Laurent. But her star burned for only a short while before being snuffed out completely: Gia battled heroin addiction and died of AIDS in 1986 when she was 26. Angelina Jolie won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Movie or Miniseries for her performance of the ultimately ruined beauty in the HBO movie Gia.

 

5. Helmut Newton: The acclaimed fashion photographer was killed in 2004 when his car spun out of control and rammed into a wall outside the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood. At 83, the German-born artist had had a prolific and long career, but what a sudden demise. The hotel's ghosts also include that of John Belushi, who OD'd in Bungalow No. 3 in 1982.

 

6. Ossie Clark: The British designer, known for flowing, ethereal styles, was a favorite of Mick Jagger and then-wife Bianca back in the swinging '60s. His celebrity waned in the 1980s, when punk became the fashion, especially in London, but his vintage pieces remain sought after to this day. Clark is missing out on the rejuvenated popularity of his clothes: He was 54 when he was stabbed to death in his flat by a former lover, Diego Cogolato. The 28-year-old Cogolato was convicted of manslaughter.

 

7. Sylvie Cachay: The up-and-coming swimwear designer was 33 when she was strangled and left in an overflowing bathtub in her room at NYC's Soho House by off-and-on boyfriend Nicholas Brooks in 2010. He was convicted of second-degree murder last year and

sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

 

Story by

Natalie Fin, E! Online

Lady GaGa Wears Dress made out of Coffee Filter to the Jimmy Kimmel Live Show on Thursday

Only days after she stunned the world in her gorgeous dress at the Oscar's that made everyone say she looed like a Queen, Lady Gaga, known for her distinctive styles, has decided to look for inspiration at home for her latest outfit - a frilly outfit made out of coffee filters.

 

 

She wore the ensemble on Thursday's episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live," ahead of her performance at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.

 

 

The creation, designed by Gareth Pugh, featured a ruffled dress, cape and giant matching hat complimented by platform shoes. She rode onto the stage in a pedicab.

Courtesy:
ABC News

The World goes Green as Expats celebrate St Patrick's Day the Irish Way

The world’s cities turned green for the day as tens of thousands of Irish expats, new and old, gathered to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.

 

 

Read more about the celebration in The Irish Examiner and have a happy St. Patrick's Day!

The Ghanaian District Chief Executive who said "Tweaaaa" has been sacked!

President John Mahama has instructed the sack of the The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South in the Ashanti Region, Mr Gabriel Barima, whose conduct at a public gathering brought the 'Tweaaaaa' expression into the national discourse.

A statement signed the Executive Secretary to the President; Dr Raymond Atuguba said: 

“The president acting on the Local Government Act section 204 has dismissed the DCE for Ahafo Ano South, Gabriel Barima with immediate effect.”

The statement added that the Ashanti Regional Minister has been directed to act until a substantive DCE is appointed.

'Tweaaaaa', is an Akan interjection used mainly to express contempt for a statement made.

It became popular in January after Mr Barimah exchanged words with a health worker who hurled the word at him at a public function.

The DCE retorted: ‘Who said 'Tweaaaaa'; am I your co-equal?’ 

A video of the exchange soon went viral on social media, prompting the traditional mass media to report on it.

The government had earlier cautioned him for the conduct after he expressed remorse. 

The sack today is, however, believed to be in relation to a radio interview Mr. Barimah granted Accra-based Joy FM Wednesday, in which he is reported to have said that he did not regret the fact that someone hurled the 'Tweaaaaa' expression at him.

According to him, the development had made him popular and people had called to congratulate him. 

Courtesy: 

graphic.com.gh

Apple CFO's Departure Signals Changing of Guard - Peter Oppenheimer won't be the last Jobs-era hyper-growth author to move on

Apple will soon find itself having to replace the man who oversaw the company's finances through its most prosperous years.

Peter Oppenheimer has announced his intent to step down from the company by September, vacating his role as Chief Financial Officer to Luca Maestri and riding off into the sunset to take a board position at Goldman Sachs.

Read more in The Register

Story by Shaun Nichols, The Register

Ghana Ready for the UN Commission on Status of Women

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is to lead Ghanaian delegates to the United Nations Session on the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW58) which will take place from March 10 to 21 in New York.

The 2014 CSW58 is on the general theme: “Challenges and achievements in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals for women and girls”. The Ghanaian delegation would include women's rights activists, gender experts, government representatives, as well as representatives from gender based civil society organisations.

Nana Oye Lithur, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra today noted that the delegation would use the platform to showcase Ghana’s gender mainstreaming agenda.

She said Ghana would also, as part of the event, organise side events to share “our progressive success story,” whilst participating in others, hold high-level discussions with governmental and non-governmental organisations alongside the conference.

The Gender Minister who is the President of the newly composed Bureau of Ministers of Social Development for ECOWAS said: “We will not achieve gender justice unless we challenge gender stereotyping”.

She explained that real and sustained change was unlikely without a concerted effort on the part of all progressive social justice movements to leverage gender transformation in practice and in advocacy positions.

The Gender Minister said gender equality was not only a basic human right, but that its achievement also had enormous socio-economic ramifications since empowering women fueled thriving economies, spurred productivity and growth.

“Yet gender inequalities remain deeply entrenched in every society. Women lack access to decent work and face occupational segregation and gender wage gaps. They are too often denied access to basic education and health care.

“Women in all parts of the world suffer violence and discrimination. They are under-represented in political and economic decision-making processes,” Nana Oye Lithur noted.

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The main roles of UN Women include supporting inter-governmental bodies, such as the Commission on the Status of Women, in their formulation of policies, global standards and norms.

It is also meant to help Member States to implement these standards, standing ready to provide suitable technical and financial support to those countries that request it, and to forge effective partnerships with civil society.

Furthermore, it is responsible for holding the UN system accountable for its own commitments on gender equality, including regular monitoring of system-wide progress.

     

Courtesy:

Government of Ghana Official Portal

European publisher launches new Pope Francis magazine

Rome, Italy, Mar 3, 2014 / 05:24 pm (CNA).- One of the largest publishing companies in Europe is releasing a first-ever weekly magazine dedicated entirely to Pope Francis due to the impact his pontificate has had in the world over the last year.

On March 3 Mondadori, Italy's largest book and magazine publisher and the third largest in the consumer magazine segment in France, announced their new magazine “Il Mio Papa,” which is to be the world's first magazine dedicated entirely to the Bishop of Rome.

Scheduled to hit newsstands every week beginning on Wednesday March 5, an initial print run of 3 million copies will be released during the first month.

Story by 

Elise Harris - Catholic News Agency

Oscar Pistorius Murder Trial for Reeva Steenkamp's Death

The South African "Blade Runner" faces charges for fatally shooting his girlfriend on Valentine's Day 2013.

Pistorius fatally shot Steenkamp through the bathroom door of his villa Valentine's Day 2013.

The double-amputee Olympian track star, nicknamed "Blade Runner," claimed he thought Steenkamp was an intruder. After a six-month investigation, though, he was indicted by the National Prosecuting Authority in South Africa. He has been charged with murder, illegal possession of ammunition and two other counts of breaking South Africa’s firearms law.

On the first anniversary of the killing, Pistorius released a statement saying, "The pain and sadness...consumes me with sorrow."

Read more about the issue in the Daily News and to watch a live video feed of the court proceedings, click the following link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akKZyhA6JEs

A live audio feed can be found here:http://ewn.co.za/Features/oscarpistorius/live-audio

Lady Gaga Arrives at the Oscars

According to Elle Magazine, Lady Gaga arrived at the 2014 Academy Awards looking like a Queen. She truly looked heavenly and I loved her dress.

Facebook to Buy messaging app WhatsApp for $19bn

The world's biggest social media platform, Facebook has said it will buy the popular app, WhatsApp for $19 billion (equivalent to 11.4 billion Pounds).

Ever since Facebook entered our lives, the company has not made any major buys at least not until now. Mark shared his thoughts on Facebook. Read more HERE.

WhatsApp is popular with people looking to avoid text messaging charges and has been cited as a rival to BlackBerry Messenger.

Today, WhatsApp has over 450 million monthly users.

For more information on this giant purchase, visit BBC News - Facebook to Buy WhatsApp for $19bn

Image: Screenshot from Facebook Mobile App

Sochi, Russia Hosts 2014 Winter Olympics

Today is Friday, 7th February, 2014 (MSK). 

The time is 09.29am ET in Sochi, Russia and preparations continue as the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics begin in a matter of hours. The opening ceremony is said to start at 11.00am (07.00 GMT).

USA Today said Sochi is the largest and most expensive Winter Olympic Games in the history and it will likely be remembered for palm trees, reminders of the Cold War tensions between the United States and Russia, and high-flying flips in new events that offer X Games thrills.

At the same time, there are stories about Gay Rights protests that are targeting the Games in Russia. The Russian Government has assured the world that they Sochi is safe and that the Games will be a success.

The excitement is overwhelming and I look forward to the opening ceremony.

Updates will be posted as they come.

Ghana's Illustrious Son, Mr. Komla Dumor of BBC's Focus on Africa, is Dead.

Mr Komla Dumor, of the BBC World Service also known as the presenter of BBC Africa, has passed away. 

The Ghana born Broadcaster reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest in London this morning 18th January 2014 which was followed by his untimely death.

Komla Dumor whose grandfather, Mr. Philip Gbeho, composed the Ghanaian National Anthem, was born on 3rd October 1972 in Accra the capital city of Ghana. "The Boss Player," as he was called by many, had his death announced on Facebook by one of his colleagues from BBC, Umaru Fofana, where he said:

"BBC World loses and Icon... Ghana born presenter Komla Dumor dies. "

He again added:

"What is it about life that we hate and envy others, do evil to our fellow man and wish others knelt down before us, when we will die in the next moment. What? Why?"

Since June 2012, Dumor has been the main presenter of the BBC World News program Focus on Africa. 

He joined the BBC African Service in 2006 as host of the radio show, Network Africa. From 2008 to 2012 he presented The World Today on the BBC World Service and began presenting the BBC World News and Africa Business Report in 2011. When the latter was relaunched in 2013; fellow BBC correspondent, Lerato Mbele was chosen as host.

Ealier in his past, Komla has worked for JOY FM in Accra, Ghana, and won the prestigious national award for Journalist of the Year in 2003. He was and will remain known till date as the only West African news reader on BBC World News.

Dumor graduated from the University of Ghana, Legon with BSc Honors in Sociology and Psychology. He also graduated from the Harvard University with an MA in Public Administration. 

He was a married man with three children.

This News has not yet been confirmed by his family and we await a formal statement from them soon. 

Upcoming updates will be past as they come.

Introducing the "One Good g+ Deserves Another" Campaign powered by The Dexter's Lab Project

As part of their plans for 2014, The DX Lab Foundation wants to make a difference by running the "One Good g+ Deserves Another" craze is on.

With support from Zoharous on etsy, their campaign aims at raising awareness towards the need for the introduction of mobile science labs into schools in third world countries. This act is meant to serve as an appeal to the senses and imaginations of kids in these countries. They will find it easier to grasp the "seemingly" complex and abstract concepts of science.

In the end, we'll help influence their choices for higher education and then we can raise a greater number of amazing scientists, awesome doctors, great engineers, and cool teachers... of course, towards the development of the nation.

Sounds laudable... What do you think???

Would you join the Craze!?!

g+ this post and let's help spread the word.

Don't forget to check out the campaign on indiegogo. 

20 Best Songs of 2013!!

So...Billboard's music critics picked out the 20 best songs of 2013...in their opinion. 
I am not a music critic and I don't know the criteria they used to rank the songs but i was quite surprised to see Miley's "We can't stop" at No. 1 spot. However, here's the list.

1. We Can't Stop - Miley Cyrus

2. Follow Your Arrow - Kacey Musgraves

3. Royals - Lorde

4. Same Love - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Mary Lambert

5. Get Lucky - Daft Punk ft. Pharrell

6. Black Skinhead - Kanye West

7. Hold On, We're Going Home - Drake

8. White Noise - Disclosure ft. AlunaGeorge

9. Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke ft. T.I. & Pharrell

10. Mirrors - Justin Timberlake

11. Body Party - Ciara

12. Diane Young - Vampire Weekend

13. Wrecking Ball - Miley Cyrus

14. Wake Me Up! - Avicii

15. Just Give Me A Reason - P!nk & Nate Ruess

16. Numbers On The Boards - Pusha T

17. That's My Kind Of Night - Luke Bryan

18. Versace (Remix) - MIGOS ft. Drake

19. Still Into You - Paramore

20. Treasure - Bruno Mars

So...there you go. What's your opinion?

When Technology and Design Come Together | The Making of a Logo

Technology and design are two completely different fields but I have recently begun to realize the importance of great design, albeit for a technological organization like DX Lab Foundation. It was hard for a technology enthusiast like me to sink my teeth into the fact that a good logo design and identity is essential for our plan to thrive, but now that I have realized its importance, I cannot help but take action.

The Dexter’s Lab Project, having evolved from being just a helping hand to a now full-fledged non-profit organization called the DX Lab Foundation, branding (which includes the design of a perfect logo) became of utmost priority in order to have more people positively associate themselves with DX Lab. Logo design is important because it helps to create a good first impression and also gives individuals an idea about the company’s purpose. In this fast paced world it is important to create impressive identities so that your company can stand out amongst all the clutter. Getting a well-executed logo design also categorizes your company as professional and trustworthy.

Now that we have established the need for logo designs, let’s discuss cost friendly and user friendly ways to obtain good ones. It is hard for small companies, especially nonprofit missions like ours to spend a lot of time and money to create a good identity. There are various websites which allow you to post your requirements and have various graphic designers work on them. They are expensive though. However, the logo design site which struck a chord with us is called Designmantic. 

This wonderful website works as logo maker and lets you play with designs to create a logo according to your needs. All you need to do is mention the name of your company and the website presents you with hundreds of options to choose from. You can personalize these logos and use them to create a strong identity for your company or yourself.

For us it has been an ideal resource because we wanted something within our pocket range. In fact, they are fond of community building by way of giving out free logos to nonprofits. And we love them even more because of that fact. We strongly suggest you check out the website as it can act as a very valuable resource for nonprofits like ours!

Can’t wait to show you’ll the official logo designed for DX Lab Foundation. It’s so sweet! Thanks Designmantic. We love you.

Visit their site at www.designmantic.com

Nelson Mandela Dies at age 95.

South Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela has died, South Africa's president says.

Mr Mandela, 95, led South Africa's transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after 27 years in prison.

He had been receiving intense home-based medical care for a lung infection after three months in hospital.

In a statement on South African national TV, Mr Zuma said Mr Mandela had "departed" and was at peace.


Nelson Mandela
1918 Born in the Eastern Cape

1943 Joined African National Congress

1956 Charged with high treason, but charges dropped after a four-year trial

1962 Arrested, convicted of incitement and leaving country without a passport, sentenced to five years in prison

1964 Charged with sabotage, sentenced to life

1990 Freed from prison

1993 Wins Nobel Peace Prize

1994 Elected first black president

1999 Steps down as leader

2001 Diagnosed with prostate cancer

2004 Retires from public life

2005 Announces his son has died of an HIV/Aids-related illness

"Our nation has lost its greatest son," Mr Zuma said.

He said Mr Mandela would receive a full state funeral, and flags would be flown at half-mast.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate was one of the world's most revered statesmen after preaching reconciliation despite being imprisoned for 27 years.

He had rarely been seen in public since officially retiring in 2004.

"What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves," Mr Zuma said.
Remembering the man
"Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together and it is together that we will bid him farewell."

UK Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to Mr Mandela, saying "a great light has gone out in the world".

REST IN PERFECT PEACE!

courtesy: bbc.co.uk ; Andrew Harding-BBC african correspondent.