Bloomberg via Getty Images
Sir Richard Branson is under fire for referring to his health chains while talking about Nelson Mandela on BBC's Newsnight.
The business magnate has been blasted for reportedly linking the death of the legendary political figure with the expansion of his health club chain.
SEE ALSO:
- The tweeters who still call Mandela 'terrorist'
- Nelson Mandela in memorable quotes
- Prince William and Kate attend Mandela film premiere, unaware of his death
- BLOG: The day I saw Mandela dance
- LOOK: How newspapers reacted to Mandela's death
- Queen remembers Mandela with 'great warmth'
- In pictures: A remarkable life
Furious social media users have accused the company of using Nelson Mandela's death to promote its brand.
As news broke of Mandela's death, Virgin Active Australia also launched a "premeditated, complete screw up" on their Facebook page, a marketing expert has said.
Carolyn Miller, a panellist on the ABC's Gruen Transfer, which analyses advertising and marketing, said companies should never view a newsworthy death as a PR opportunity.
"Considering what Mandela has done in his life, it does seem shallow to associate your brand with him on his death by remembering his involvement in your gym launch," said Ms Miller.
Jonathan Pease, executive ideas director at public relations agency Tongue, said Virgin's actions were a "pre-meditated, complete screw up".
"Virgin were clearly waiting and ready for Nelson Mandela to pass away. I have to wonder who else Virgin is waiting to die.
"This is akin to those celebrity photos you see on the wall of your local pizza shop. The photo insinuates that the pizza shop owner knows the celebrity but in truth the celebrity just came in for a pizza!" said Mr Pease.
Sir Richard, describing himself as a close friend of Mr Mandela, has also posted a long tribute praising the former president... and describing how the icon helped "thousands of wonderful South Africans" become a "part of the Virgin Active family."
Nelson Mandela Mourners
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA-OBIT-MEDIA(01 of91)
A man reads, in Soweto on December 6, 2013, a local newspaper, The Star, with the front page dedicated to South African former President Nelson Mandela, following his death in Johannesburg on the eve. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-MANDELA-PEOPLE-SOWETO(02 of91)
A woman lays flowers in homage to late former South African president Nelson Mandela in Soweto on December 6, 2013. Residents of Soweto, the bedrock of black resistance against apartheid rule, sang and danced as they paid their respects to the late peace icon Nelson Mandela outside his former home on Friday. A small crowd of admirers, some dressed in the ruling ANC party's yellow t-shirts, braved an unseasonal chilly summer morning to lay flowers outside Mandela's former residence, which is now a museum and a popular tourist attraction. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA(03 of91)
People light candles on December 6, 2013 outside the house of former South African President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg following his death in this town on the eve. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN (Photo credit should read STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
INDIA-SAFRICA-MANDELA-TIBET-DALAI LAMA(04 of91)
Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama speaks to members of the press about the passing of former South African president Nelson Mandela, as he attends a function in New Delhi on December 6, 2013. The Dalai Lama joined scores of personalities in expressing his feelings at the passing of revered icon of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle and a towering figure of 20th century politics who died on December 5 aged 95. AFP PHOTO/Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
INDIA-SAFRICA-MANDELA-TIBET-DALAI LAMA(05 of91)
Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama speaks to members of the press about the passing of former South African president Nelson Mandela, as he attends a function in New Delhi on December 6, 2013. The Dalai Lama joined scores of personalities in expressing his feelings at the passing of revered icon of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle and a towering figure of 20th century politics who died on December 5 aged 95. AFP PHOTO/Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
INDIA-SAFRICA-MANDELA(06 of91)
An Indian artist draws a miniature portrait of South African former president Nelson Mandela onto his thumbnail as a part of his homage in Siliguri on December 6, 2013. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO/Diptendu DUTTA (Photo credit should read DIPTENDU DUTTA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA-HOMAGE(07 of91)
A man wearing a yellow t-shirt of the South African ANC ruling party grieves with other people on December 6, 2013 outside the house of former South African President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN (Photo credit should read STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA-HOMAGE(08 of91)
A young girl looks at a portrait of South African former President Nelson Mandela on December 6, 2013 outside his house in Johannesburg. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN (Photo credit should read STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-MANDELA-POLITICS(09 of91)
A woman prays outside the house of former South African President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg on December 6, 2013, the day after his death. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN (Photo credit should read STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-MANDELA-POLITICS(10 of91)
A woman prays outside the house of former South African President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg on December 6, 2013, the day after his death. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN (Photo credit should read STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CHINA-SAFRICA-MANDELA(11 of91)
A man puts a bunch of flowers before portraits of the late Nelson Mandela outside the South African embassy in Beijing on December 6, 2013. The death of South Africa's liberation leader Nelson Mandela has unleashed a heartfelt chorus of awed respect from across the worlds of politics, religion, sport and culture. AFP PHOTO / WANG ZHAO (Photo credit should read WANG ZHAO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CHINA-SAFRICA-MANDELA(12 of91)
A man puts a bunch of flowers before portraits of the late Nelson Mandela outside the South African embassy in Beijing on December 6, 2013. The death of South Africa's liberation leader Nelson Mandela has unleashed a heartfelt chorus of awed respect from across the worlds of politics, religion, sport and culture. AFP PHOTO / WANG ZHAO (Photo credit should read WANG ZHAO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The World Mourns The Death Of Former South African President Nelson Mandela(13 of91)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: A man gestures as he reacts to the death of Nelson Mandela at the South African embassy near Trafalgar Square on December 6, 2013 in London, England. Mandela was a leader that helped conquer apartheid in racially divided South Africa after being jailed for his activism for decades. He was South Africa's first black president. He died yesterday at the age of 95. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The World Mourns The Death Of Former South African President Nelson Mandela(14 of91)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: A man comforts a woman as they mourn the death of Nelson Mandela as they stand outside the South African embassy near Trafalgar Square on December 6, 2013 in London, England. Mandela was a leader that helped conquer apartheid in racially divided South Africa after being jailed for his activism for decades. He was South Africa's first black president. He died yesterday at the age of 95. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The World Mourns The Death Of Former South African President Nelson Mandela(15 of91)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: A man gestures as he reacts to the death of Nelson Mandela at the South African embassy near Trafalgar Square on December 6, 2013 in London, England. Mandela was a leader that helped conquer apartheid in racially divided South Africa after being jailed for his activism for decades. He was South Africa's first black president. He died yesterday at the age of 95. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The World Mourns The Death Of Former South African President Nelson Mandela(16 of91)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: A woman places a floral tribute to Nelson Mandela outside the South African embassy near Trafalgar Square on December 6, 2013 in London, England. Mandela was a leader that helped conquer apartheid in racially divided South Africa after being jailed for his activism for decades. He was South Africa's first black president. He died yesterday at the age of 95. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The World Mourns The Death Of Former South African President Nelson Mandela(17 of91)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: People gather to mourn the loss of Nelson Mandela at a statue to him in Parliament Square on December 6, 2013 in London, England. Mandela was a leader that helped conquer apartheid in racially divided South Africa after being jailed for his activism for decades. He was South Africa's first black president. He died yesterday at the age of 95. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Nelson Mandela death(18 of91)
The Flag covered coffin caring the body of Former South African President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, South Africa on December 05, 2013 Barry Aldworth/BackpagePix (credit:PA)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA(19 of91)
This picture shows a framed image of former South African president Nelson Mandela as people pay tributes following his death, in Johannesburg on December 6, 2013. Nelson Mandela, the revered icon of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle and a towering figure of 20th century politics, died on December 5 aged 95. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
(20 of91)
A man takes a picture of an artist who goes by the name "Franco the Great" in front of a mural of South African leader Nelson Mandela that the artist painted in 1995, and later added U.S. President Barack Obama, on 125th Street in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. Mandela, South Africa's first black president, died Thursday after a long illness. He was 95. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) (credit:AP)
(21 of91)
Flowers are placed at the base of a statue of Nelson Mandela at the South African Embassy in Washington, which is currently under renovation, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. Nelson Mandela, who became one of the world's most beloved statesman and a colossus of the 20th century when he emerged from 27 years in prison to negotiate an end to white minority rule in South Africa has died. He was 95. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) (credit:AP)
Peter Boyce(22 of91)
Peter Boyce of Washington, places a candle at the foot of a statue of Nelson Mandela at the South African Embassy in Washington, which is currently under renovation, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. Nelson Mandela, who became one of the world's most beloved statesman and a colossus of the 20th century when he emerged from 27 years in prison to negotiate an end to white minority rule in South Africa has died. He was 95. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) (credit:AP)
(23 of91)
A woman lights a candle for Nelson Mandela outside South African High Commission in London, Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. Mandela, South Africa's first black president, died Thursday in Johannesburg, South Africa after a long illness. He was 95. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) (credit:AP)
(24 of91)
A man lights a candle for Nelson Mandela outside South AfricaN High Commission in London, Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. Mandela, South Africa's first black president, died Thursday in Johannesburg, South Africa after a long illness. He was 95. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) (credit:AP)
(25 of91)
A message on a floral tribute is left for Nelson Mandela outside South African High Commission in London, Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. Mandela, South Africa's first black president, died Thursday in Johannesburg, South Africa after a long illness. He was 95. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) (credit:AP)
(26 of91)
A woman with a banner pays tribute to Nelson Mandela outside South African High Commission in London, Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. Mandela, South Africa's first black president, died Thursday in Johannesburg, South Africa after a long illness. He was 95. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) (credit:AP)
Aung San Suu Kyi(27 of91)
Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi speaks during the opening ceremony of Women's Forum Myanmar at a hotel in Yangon, Myanmar Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. Suu Kyi paid tribute to Nelson Mandela as a great human being who raised the standard of humanity. Mandela, South Africa's first black president, died Thursday in Johannesburg, South Africa after a long illness. He was 95. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win) (credit:AP)
Nelson Mandela(28 of91)
The Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat players pay the tribute to the Nelson Mandela before their NBA basketball game in Chicago, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid leader who became South Africa's first democratically elected president and a symbol of reconciliation to many around the world, died Thursday. He was 95. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski) (credit:AP)
(29 of91)
Supporters of Nelson Mandela celebrate the South African leader outside a South African restaurant Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013 in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Mandela died Thursday at age 95. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) (credit:AP)
(30 of91)
Pedestrians pass beneath the Apollo Theatre marquee commemorating the life of South African leader Nelson Mandela, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, in the Harlem neighborhood of New York. South Africa's first black president died Thursday after a long illness. He was 95. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) (credit:AP)
(31 of91)
South African native Lorien Miller, who now resides in New York, plays a traditional African djembe drum next to a makeshift memorial for South African leader Nelson Mandela outside the South African consulate Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013 in New York. Mandela died Thursday at age 95. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) (credit:AP)
(32 of91)
A mourner is interviewed by a local TV station outside the home of former President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, South Africa Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 where Mandela died Thursday night after a long illness. (AP Photo/Independent Newspapers Limited, Antoine de Ras) SOUTH AFRICA OUT, NO SALES, NO ARCHIVES (credit:AP)
Aung San Suu Kyi(33 of91)
Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, left, is welcomed by Thierry Mathou, center, French ambassador to Myanmar, upon her arrival for the opening ceremony of Women's Forum Myanmar at a hotel in Yangon, Myanmar Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. Suu Kyi paid tribute to Nelson Mandela as a great human being who raised the standard of humanity. Mandela, South Africa's first black president, died Thursday in Johannesburg, South Africa after a long illness. He was 95. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win) (credit:AP)
(34 of91)
A man lights a candle outside the Johannesburg home of former president Nelson Mandela Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 after Mandela passed away Thursday night after a long illness. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell) (credit:AP)
(35 of91)
A commuter buys a copy of Daily Nation, one of Kenya's leading newspapers, which devoted its entire front page to the death of former South African leader and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela, in Nairobi, Kenya, Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. Copies were in short supply and selling quickly Friday morning, street vendors said after Daily Nation delayed publication to include the late-breaking news of Mandela's death. Mandela, who became one of the world's most beloved statesmen died Thursday at age 95. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (credit:AP)
(36 of91)
Newspaper vendor Cosmas Mutinda, 37, sells a copy of Kenya's Daily Nation, which devoted its entire front page to the death of former South African leader and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela, to a passing commuter in Nairobi, Kenya, Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. Papers were in short supply and selling quickly Friday morning, street vendors said after Daily Nation, one of Kenya's leading newspapers, delayed publication to include the late-breaking news of Mandela's death. Mandela, who became one of the world's most beloved statesmen died Thursday at age 95. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (credit:AP)
(37 of91)
Newspaper vendor Cosmas Mutinda, 37, sells a copy of Kenya's Daily Nation, which devoted its entire front page to the death of former South African leader and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela, to a passing commuter in morning traffic, Nairobi, Kenya, Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. Papers were in short supply and selling quickly Friday morning, street vendors said, after Daily Nation, one of Kenya's leading newspapers, delayed publication to include the late-breaking news of Mandela's death. Mandela, who became one of the world's most beloved statesmen died Thursday at age 95.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (credit:AP)
(38 of91)
A group of mourners sing and dance outside the Johannesburg home of former president Nelson Mandela Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 after the freedom fighter passed away Thursday night after a long illness. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell) (credit:AP)
Nelson Mandela(39 of91)
A framed portrait of former president Nelson Mandela and flowers are placed outside Mandela's Johannesburg home Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 after the freedom fighter passed away Thursday night after a long illness. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell) (credit:AP)
(40 of91)
A man wearing a T-shirt with a portrait of former president Nelson Mandela leads a group of mourners as they sing and dance outside the Johannesburg home of Mandela Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 after the freedom fighter passed away Thursday night after a long illness. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell) (credit:AP)
SAFRICA-MANDELA(41 of91)
South Africans gather outside Nelson Mandela's home in Johannesburg on December 6, 2013 . Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95, President Jacob Zuma said on December 6. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
People Around The World React To News Of Nelson Mandela's Death(42 of91)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 06: News crews gather around a statue of former South African President Nelson Mandela outside the South African Embassy December 5, 2013 in Washington, DC. Incumbent South African President Jacob Zuma announced earlier that Mandela has died at the age of 95. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA(43 of91)
South Africans gather for a candlelight vigil outside the house of former South African president Nelson Mandela following his death in Johannesburg on December 5, 2013. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA(44 of91)
South Africans hold pictures of former South African president Nelson Mandela as they pay tribute following his death in Johannesburg on December 5, 2013. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA(45 of91)
South Africans sing as they pay tribute to former South African president Nelson Mandela following his death in Johannesburg on December 5, 2013. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES-SAFRICA-MANDELA(46 of91)
England cricketers observe a minutes silence to mark the passsing of former South African president Nelson Mandela on the second day of the second Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia in Adelaide on December 6, 2013. Nelson Mandela, the revered icon of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle and a towering figure of 20th century politics, died on December 5 aged 95. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australia v England - Second Test: Day 2(47 of91)
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 06: The Australian and English teams stand for a minute silence in memory of Nelson Mandela during day two of the Second Ashes Test Match between Australia and England at Adelaide Oval on December 6, 2013 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australia v England - Second Test: Day 2(48 of91)
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 06: A minutes silence is observed by the Australian squad at the Adelaide Oval as a mark of respect for Nelson Mandela during day two of the Second Ashes Test Match between Australia and England at Adelaide Oval on December 6, 2013 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES-SAFRICA-MANDELA(49 of91)
Australian cricketers observe a minutes silence to mark the passsing of former South African president Nelson Mandela on the second day of the second Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia in Adelaide on December 6, 2013. Nelson Mandela, the revered icon of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle and a towering figure of 20th century politics, died on December 5 aged 95. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA(50 of91)
South Africans hold pictures of former South African president Nelson Mandela as they pay tribute following his death in Johannesburg on December 6, 2013. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA(51 of91)
South Africans hold pictures of former South African president Nelson Mandela as they pay tribute following his death in Johannesburg on December 6, 2013. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA(52 of91)
South Africans hold pictures of former South African president Nelson Mandela as they pay tribute following his death in Johannesburg on December 6, 2013. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES-SAFRICA-MANDELA(53 of91)
England cricketers Graeme Swann (L), Kevin Pietersen (C) and Michael Carberry observe a minutes silence to mark the passsing of former South African president Nelson Mandela on the second day of the second Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia in Adelaide on December 6, 2013. Nelson Mandela, the revered icon of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle and a towering figure of 20th century politics, died on December 5 aged 95. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA(54 of91)
South Africans hold pictures of former South African president Nelson Mandela as they pay tribute following his death in Johannesburg on December 6, 2013. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australia v England - Second Test: Day 2(55 of91)
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 06: (L-R) Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, David Warner and Mitchell Johnson of Australia observe a minutes silence as a mark of respect for Nelson Mandela during day two of the Second Ashes Test Match between Australia and England at Adelaide Oval on December 6, 2013 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
AUSTRALIA-SAFRICA-MANDELA(56 of91)
Flowers are placed on the lawn at the South African High Commission in Canberra following the death of South Africa's former president Nelson Mandela, on December 6, 2013. Mandela, the revered icon of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle and a towering figure of 20th century politics, died on December 5 aged 95. AFP PHOTO / Mark GRAHAM (Photo credit should read MARK GRAHAM/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CHINA-SAFRICA-MANDELA-WORLD(57 of91)
Flowers are arranged before portraits of the late Nelson Mandela outside the South African embassy in Beijing on December 6, 2013. The death of South Africa's liberation leader Nelson Mandela has unleashed a heartfelt chorus of awed respect from across the worlds of politics, religion, sport and culture. AFP PHOTO / Ed Jones (Photo credit should read ED JONES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-MANDELA-MASS-TUTU(58 of91)
People sit in front of a photo of Mandela, during a service in ST. George's Cathedral, on December 6, 2013, after the anouncement of the death of Nelson Mandela, in Cape Town. Peace icon Nelson Mandela's wrinkled face beamed out from South African newspaper front pages today, as the Rainbow Nation's media strained to mark the momentousness of his death. AFP PHOTO/RODGER BOSCH (Photo credit should read RODGER BOSCH/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-MANDELA-MASS-TUTU(59 of91)
Archbishop Emeritus, Desmond Tutu is hugged by a woman during a service in ST. George's Cathedral, on December 6, 2013, after the anouncement of the death of Nelson Mandela, in Cape Town. . Peace icon Nelson Mandela's wrinkled face beamed out from South African newspaper front pages today, as the Rainbow Nation's media strained to mark the momentousness of his death. AFP PHOTO/RODGER BOSCH (Photo credit should read RODGER BOSCH/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-MANDELA-MASS(60 of91)
A woman prays for South African president Nelson Mandela at Regina Mundi Church in Soweto on December 6, 2013 as they pay tribute following his death in Johannesburg on December 5, 2013. Peace icon Nelson Mandela's wrinkled face beamed out from South African newspaper front pages on December 6, 2013 as the Rainbow Nation's media strained to mark the momentousness of his death. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA-OBIT(61 of91)
People sign a poster of South African former president Nelson Mandela in Soweto on December 6, 2013 as they pay tribute following his death in Johannesburg on the eve. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA-OBIT(62 of91)
A man adds a message on a poster of South African former president Nelson Mandela in Soweto on December 6, 2013 as he pays tribute following his death in Johannesburg on the eve. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-MANDELA-MASS(63 of91)
A man comforts a woman during a service in ST. George's Cathedral, on December 6, 2013, after the anouncement of the death of Nelson Mandela, in Cape Town. Peace icon Nelson Mandela's wrinkled face beamed out from South African newspaper front pages today, as the Rainbow Nation's media strained to mark the momentousness of his death. AFP/RODGER BOSCH (Photo credit should read RODGER BOSCH/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA-OBIT(64 of91)
Policemen put barriers on December 6, 2013, around South African former president Nelson Mandela home in Soweto, following his death in Johannesburg on December 5, 2013. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA-OBIT(65 of91)
A woman adds a message on a poster of South African former president Nelson Mandela in Soweto on December 6, 2013 as she pays tribute following his death in Johannesburg on the eve. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA-OBIT(66 of91)
A man reads, in Soweto on 6, 2013 the Sowetan newspaper showing a front page dedicated to South African former President Nelson Mandela as they pay tribute, near his home, following his death in Johannesburg on the eve. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA(67 of91)
South African women hold a candlelight vigil outside the house of former South African president Nelson Mandela following his death in Johannesburg on December 5, 2013. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-MANDELA(68 of91)
South Africans wait for news outside Nelson Mandela's home in Johannesburg on December 6, 2013 . Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95, President Jacob Zuma said on December 6. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-MANDELA(69 of91)
Police patrol outside Nelson Mandela's home in Johannesburg on December 6, 2013 . Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95, President Jacob Zuma said on December 6. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA(70 of91)
South African police set up a cordon outside the house of former South African president Nelson Mandela following his death in Johannesburg on December 5, 2013. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-MANDELA(71 of91)
South Africans light candles outside Nelson Mandela's home in Johannesburg on December 6, 2013 . Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95, President Jacob Zuma said on December 6. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-MANDELA(72 of91)
Members of the media gather outside Nelson Mandela's home in Johannesburg on December 6,2013 . Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95, President Jacob Zuma said on December 6. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA(73 of91)
South African police set up a cordon outside the house of former South African president Nelson Mandela following his death in Johannesburg on December 5, 2013. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA(74 of91)
A South African policewoman sets up a cordon outside the house of former South African president Nelson Mandela following his death in Johannesburg on December 5, 2013. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-MANDELA(75 of91)
Police set up cordons outside Nelson Mandela's home in Johannesburg on December 6,2013 . Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95, President Jacob Zuma said on December 6. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-MANDELA(76 of91)
South Africans mourn outside Nelson Mandela's home in Johannesburg on December 6,2013 . Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95, President Jacob Zuma said on December 6. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA(77 of91)
South African police vehicles are parked outside the house of former South African president Nelson Mandela following his death in Johannesburg on December 5, 2013. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-MANDELA(78 of91)
South Africans light candles outside Nelson Mandela's home in Johannesburg on December 6, 2013 . Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95, President Jacob Zuma said on December 6. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
(79 of91)
People light a candle for former president Nelson Mandela on hearing of his death outside his home in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell) (credit:AP)
SAFRICA-MANDELA(80 of91)
South Africans gather outside Nelson Mandela's home in Johannesburg on December 6, 2013 . Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95, President Jacob Zuma said on December 6. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-MANDELA(81 of91)
South Africans wait for news outside Nelson Mandela's home in Johannesburg on December 6, 2013 . Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95, President Jacob Zuma said on December 6. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-MANDELA(82 of91)
Media wait for news outside Nelson Mandela's home in Johannesburg on December 6, 2013 . Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95, President Jacob Zuma said on December 6. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-MANDELA(83 of91)
Media wait for news outside Nelson Mandela's home in Johannesburg on December 6,2013 . Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95, President Jacob Zuma said on December 6. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
President Obama Delivers Statement On Death Of Nelson Mandela(84 of91)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 05: U.S. President Barack Obama walks towards the podium to make a statement regarding the death of former South African president Nelson Mandela at the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House December 5, 2013 in Washington, DC. Incumbent South African President Jacob Zuma announced that Mandela has died at the age of 95. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
US-SAFFRICA-OBAMA-MANDELA(85 of91)
US President Barack Obama makes a statement on the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela in the briefing room of the White House on December 5, 2013 in Washington, DC. Obama described Mandela, who died at 95, as 'influential, courageous and profoundly good.' AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
US-SAFFRICA-OBAMA-MANDELA(86 of91)
US President Barack Obama makes a statement on the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela in the briefing room of the White House on December 5, 2013 in Washington, DC. Obama described Mandela, who died at 95, as 'influential, courageous and profoundly good.' AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
US-SAFFRICA-OBAMA-MANDELA(87 of91)
US President Barack Obama pauses while making a statement about the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela in the briefing room of the White House on December 5, 2013 in Washington, DC. Obama described Mandela, who died at 95, as 'influential, courageous and profoundly good.' AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
BRITAIN-ENTERTAINMENT-FILM-MANDELA(88 of91)
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (L), speaks with Zindzi Mandela, daughter of South African leader Nelson Mandela, before the royal film premier of 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' in central London on December 5, 2013. Nelson Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95, President Jacob Zuma said Thursday. AFP PHOTO/POOL/CHRIS JACKSON (Photo credit should read Chris Jackson/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
SAFRICA-POLITICS-MANDELA(89 of91)
An unidentified granddaughter of former South African president Nelson Mandela leaves his house following his death in Johannesburg on December 5, 2013. Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Nelson Mandela death(90 of91)
Floral tributes are placed by the statue of Nelson Mandela in parliament Square, central London following the announcement of the death of the former South African leader Nelson Mandela who has died at the age of 95. (credit:PA)
Nelson Mandela death(91 of91)
Commuters pass by the statue of Nelson Mandela the former President of South Africa, at the side of the Royal Festival Hall on the south bank of London where flowers have been laid after the news that he had passed away last night after a long illness. (credit:PA)