Updated 09.00

His body has now been taken to a military hospital in Pretoria.

South Africa's first black President will receive a full state funeral and flags will remain at half-mast until after the burial.

Tribute's have been pouring in from around the world for the iconic leader.

President Michael D. Higgins is leading Irish tributes said Nelson Mandela would be remembered "for all time as one of the greatest and most heroic leaders the world has ever known" - adding that he "never lost belief or gave up fighting for the equal rights of all South African citizens".

International reaction

While US President Barack Obama said "we have lost an influential, courageous and profoundly good human being.":

"Let us pause and give thanks for the fact that Nelson Mandela lived." —President Obama

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 5, 2013

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who also campaigned against apartheid, says Nelson Mandela transcended race and class:

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon says Mr Mandela changed millions of people's lives:

Irish politicians mourn

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said Mandela's journey had transformed not just South Africa, but humanity itself.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said everyone felt "part of his extended worldwide family, sharing in the sadness at his death and the celebration of his life."

And former President Mary Robinson paid tribute by saying: "May he rest in peace, and may his spirit continue to inspire millions throughout the world."

Meanwhile, the Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin says his legacy will never be forgotten:

Celebrities comment

Bono says Nelson Mandela was stubborn until the end for all the right reasons - but last night he finally blinked.

In a statement, the U2 singer said it was if the South African leader was born to teach the age a lesson in humility, humour and above all else, patience.

He said some of us cry, knowing our eyes were opened to so much because of him.