According to Reuters, former South African President Nelson Mandela died peacefully at his Johannesburg home today (Thursday, December 5th) after a prolonged lung infection, President Jacob Zuma said.

Mandela, the country's first black president and anti-apartheid icon, emerged from 27 years in apartheid prisons to help guide South Africa through bloodshed and turmoil to democracy.

"Fellow South Africans, our beloved Nelson Rohlihlahla Mandela, the founding president of our democratic nation, has departed," Zuma said in a nationally televised address. "Our people have lost a father. Although we knew this day was going to come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss. His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world. His humility, passion and humanity, earned him their love," he added.

Mandela would receive a full state funeral, Zuma said, ordering flags to be flown at half mast.

Read more about his remarkable and influential history at Reuters.

Hard rock/heavy metal musicians around the globe have been touched by his passing and reflect as follows on Facebook:

GUNS N' ROSES: "'It always seems impossible until its done.' RIP Nelson Mandela"

MEGADETH's Dave Mustaine: "Nelson Mandela just passed away. What an amazing man & legacy. RIP."

SLASH: "Really sad to hear we have lost the great Nelson Mandela, one of the few pillars of humanity we had left."

RONNIE JAMES DIO: "RIP Nelson Mandella. You will be missed! You are now with Ronnie!"

GLENN HUGHES: "RIP Nelson Mandela : your love and light has moved mountains: The world has lost a messenger a shining beacon of love.. My visit to your country This year was life changing... This pic from Capetown will captivate my a soul of your country and beloved people ..."

LIVING COLOUR: "RIP Nelson Mandela! Fight The Fight."

THE DOORS: "The greatest thing...is whether the ideas to which you have committed your life are still alive. Whether those ideas are likely to triumph in the end...I did not lose hope because at the end of our trial, we felt victorious" - Nelson Mandela. "R.I.P. to a true leader, visionary, and hero from everyone at JAM, Inc."

IN FLAMES: "Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela. A true hero for human rights and freedom."

TESTAMENT's Alex Skolnick: "What a massive inspiration. Imagine spending 27 yrs in jail & then calling 4 PEACEFUL resistance. RIP Nelson Mandela."

MACHINE HEAD: "RIP Nelson Mandela. A true inspiration to Machine Head."

JEFF SCOT SOTO: "RIP world renown anti-apartheid revolutionary and humanitarian Nelson Mandela...the world is a few steps better because of his causes!"

FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE: "Rest in peace Nelson Mandela. Africa will be forever in our heart."

PSAGAN'S MIND: "Rest In Peace Nelson Mandela, you've been an inspiration for the world, and for us. Thank you! You will be greatly missed."

MARTYR DEFILED: "RIP Nelson Mandela, truly one of the great leaders of civil rights and equality amongst humankind."

THE MERCY HOUSE: "Goodbye to one of the world's greatest revolutionaries. RIP Nelson Mandela. Here's to fighting for what you believe in."

ACARO: "'No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.' Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela."

AS SILENCE BREAKS: "Today marks the passing of a truly unique and courageous man. Please join all of us in remembering him and his amazing acts that showed the world of humanity that we can rise to the occasion and be better."