This is an ABC news special report. Nelson Mandela. -- man. And good afternoon from ABC news headquarters here in New York for 46 here in the. Just South Africa seven hours ahead of us and we just learned from the president of South Africa Jacob Zuma telling the people of South Africa that he has departed of course he was talking about one of the world's most beloved leader's. Nelson Mandela of course a champion for human rights a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and guiding hope for millions learning just moments ago that he is passed on. Nelson Mandela had been in critical condition battling serious health issues for almost a year. He's been in and out of the hospital of course back in September and -- was able to return to his home in Johannesburg where he lived out his final days. Let's take a listen to what president Zuma told the people of South Africa. Just moments ago. -- -- Missing footage of someone did. The fund in. Welcome recognition. -- -- -- company over his prominently. Did -- do. On the -- -- -- -- Friends and fifty. He's now. Our nation. -- -- -- He's -- -- -- -- -- -- -- The blue. Green you. But this day would come. Nothing hidden in women's. -- Political problem. And -- -- it involves. He's -- Will be doing. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- These human dignity and musical -- in. And these two months. And didn't. I was for the -- -- -- -- He then we moved. Take this book that's -- They have sacrificed months. And endured months. -- so people. Would be pretty. South African president Jacob some -- their addressing the people of South Africa and the world. About the death of Nelson Mandela saying he passed away a short time ago in the company of several members of his family. He spoke of his tireless struggle for freedom -- earning the respect. Around the world using the words and dignity compassion to describe Mandela who was so beloved around the world he -- 95 years old this past summer. But had been virtually out of public view with the same time a drawn out family feud played out over. -- final resting place but in the end we would see members of -- family. Going to the hospital to visit Mandela go into his home spending days and weeks upon weeks at his --