Madiba's body moved to 1 Military Hospital

Former President Nelson Mandela's body has been moved to 1 Military Hospital. Image: SANDF

South Africa's first democratically elected President passed away last night at 2050.

Mandela spent almost three months in hospital this year after being admitted to the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital in June with a recurring lung infection.

He was discharged in September and was receiving home-based medical care.

President Jacob Zuma late on Thursday night announced Madiba's passing from the Union Buildings. He said Mandela had passed on peacefully in the company of his family.

His death quickly became a trending topic on social media networks, with millions of people from all over the celebrating of his life. Many shared the sentiment that Mandela had left a legacy that would inspire generations to come.

Large crowds also gathered in song outside his Houghton home in Johannesburg.

Zuma has ordered that all flags of the country fly at half-mast and remain that way until after the burial ceremony.