Has Nelson Mandela died or was obit notice dropped in error?

[Cheshire Cat]

An African news agency is reporting that very important historical hero has left this world. 

http://www.dw.de/south-africa-mourns-nelson-mandela/a-15796097

Trying to reconcile South Africans
Nelson Mandela receives a five volumes of Truth and Reconciliation Commission final report from Archbishop Desmond Tutu Mandela (left) and Tutu set up the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

After his releas from prison, the "African Martin Luther" continued his fight for the abolition of racial segregation. In April 1994, the first free elections were held. On May 10, Mandela became South Africa's first elected black president. He then focused his attention on reconciliation. In 1996, he set up the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to deal with the crimes committed during apartheid, working together with South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu. In 1993, Mandela and his predecessor, Frederik William de Klerk, were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

After he bid politics farewell in 1999, "Madiba" and his charity foundation took on social issues. He especially tried to help children and people suffering from HIV/AIDS. In 2005, his second son Makgatho died of AIDS at the age of 54.

"South Africans have fought against apartheid. Today, they are facing a much bigger threat," Mandela said. However, his successor and protege Thabo Mbeki delayed the fight against the epidemic. Mandela himself lateradmitted he didn't do enough to halt the spread of the disease when he was in power.

The fight against poverty also tarnished Mandela's political heritage as the ANC's 1994 election campaign promise "A better life for all" only became reality for a small black elite. Today, the "rainbow nation" is still suffering from growingcorruption and crime as well as bleak job prospects.

South Africa loses a moral compass
Nelson Mandela lifts the World Cup trophy South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup - Mandela prepared the ground for the event

Mandela made use of his popularity to help mediate in the civil war-torn country Burundi, and publicly criticized US policy on Iraq. In 2004, Mandela prepared the ground for South Africa to host the World Cup in 2010. His health took a turn for the worse when his great-granddaughter Zenani was tragically killed on the eve of the tournament. Mandela's decision to retire to his home village Qunu in the Eastern Cap Province gave rise to speculation regarding his health.

Nelson Mandela will be remembered all over the world as a great freedom fighter and statesman. For his home country South Africa, his death means the loss of a moral compass, even though he had not commented on political events for some time. There's reason to believe that Mandela's ANC will now suffer the same fate as most African freedom movements, by giving in to temptations such as the abuse of power and nepotism.
DW.DE
Mandela released from hospital

Nelson Mandela has been released from hospital after undergoing a diagnostic procedure. Officials have played down concerns about his health. (26.02.2012)
Freedom fighters celebrate ANC anniversary

The ANC liberated South Africa from minority white rule, but it has undergone a rocky - some would say incomplete - transition from liberation movement to governing party. (06.01.2012)
Nelson Mandela - the 'South African Gandhi'

"In many aspects, he is my role model." Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela often uses these words when talking about the Indian freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi. There are striking similarities between the two men. (06.10.2011)

[Demosthenes]

Nobody else is reporting it... I wonder if DW dropped the obit early by accident.

[Cheshire Cat]

It's possible it was an accidental obit drop or perhaps it just happened.  Earlier today they were saying he was gravely ill.   I am sure it will flood the airways if he has already passed.  Will stand by and update if the announcement by the paper was premature.

[Cheshire Cat]

You know what Demosthenes, I think you called this correctly.  The obit must have been dropped by mistake.  As you stated, no one else is reporting and CNN has him alive but critically ill as recently as four hours ago.

[spuwho]

It is a cultural taboo to discuss ones impending death where Mr. Mandela was raised.

So the media is trying to find its way on reporting without showing disrespect to some old tribal customs.

BBC is reporting that he has been responding better to his treatments, but he is 94 years old and that makes his care in any respects a challenge. Because the varying reports come from the various politicians and luminaries who have visited him, you get a broad spectrum of feedback that isn't medical based.

[Cheshire Cat]

It is a cultural taboo to discuss ones impending death where Mr. Mandela was raised.

So the media is trying to find its way on reporting without showing disrespect to some old tribal customs.

BBC is reporting that he has been responding better to his treatments, but he is 94 years old and that makes his care in any respects a challenge. Because the varying reports come from the various politicians and luminaries who have visited him, you get a broad spectrum of feedback that isn't medical based.

Good insight! 

Mr. Mandela has played such an important role in social changes in his country and has survived so much it will be a loss when he does pass. The world will have been better place for him being here.

[spuwho]

It is a cultural taboo to discuss ones impending death where Mr. Mandela was raised.

So the media is trying to find its way on reporting without showing disrespect to some old tribal customs.

BBC is reporting that he has been responding better to his treatments, but he is 94 years old and that makes his care in any respects a challenge. Because the varying reports come from the various politicians and luminaries who have visited him, you get a broad spectrum of feedback that isn't medical based.

Good insight! 

Mr. Mandela has played such an important role in social changes in his country and has survived so much it will be a loss when he does pass. The world will have been better place for him being here.

My dad was born and raised not far from where Mr. Mandela was raised. Sometimes its hard for our culture to understand what is happening until we see where they are coming from.

[Cheshire Cat]

I really appreciate you sharing this about your culture.  Understanding and experiencing other cultures is one of the greatest gifts of living in my view.  I have experienced other cultures where speaking of an impending death was not done, as well as so many other beliefs like you don't name a living person after one who has passed or to mind how you grieve so that you do not retain the soul of the one lost on their way to the afterlife.  Thanks for sharing another bit of insight.