Nelson Mandela International Day: A HERO of many who never 'GAVE UP'-IN PICS

South Africa's former President Nelson Mandela shares a toast with his wife Graca Mache during his 90th birthday celebrations at his house in Qunu July 19, 2008.

France's President Nicolas Sarkozy displays a photo given to him by former South African President Nelson Mandela, showing Mandela leaving jail, during a meeting at the Elysee palace in Paris September 4, 2007.

Former President Nelson Mandela smiles as he formally announces his retirement from public life at his foundations offices in Johannesburg, June 1, 2004. 

Former South African president Nelson Mandela carries the Olympic Flame outside his former prison cell on Robben Island near Cape town, June 12, 2004

Former South African President Nelson Mandela smiles as he holds up an England soccer shirt he was presented with by David Beckham on behalf of the team, during a meeting at Nelson Mandela's Foundations office in Johannesburg May 21,2003.

Former South African president Nelson Mandela receives a kiss from then Miss South Africa, Cindy Nel, February 5, 2003.

Former South African president Nelson Mandela waves to a jubilant crowd in Jabulani, a surbub of Soweto December 16, 2001 during the 40th year anniversary celebrations of the African National Congress's [ANC] armed wing Umkhoto we Sizwe, spear of the nation. 

Nelson Mandela gives an animated speach to the crowds at Trafalgar Square during the South African democracy concert April 29, 2001. A crowd of 20,000 turned out to be entertained by music groups such as REM and The Corrs.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela shakes hands with high ranking military officers at the Bujumbura International Airport November 1, 2001

Former South African President Nelson Mandela greets children during a visit to Eerste River township near Cape Town November 28, 2000.

Nelson Mandela and then Deputy President Thabo Mbeki wave to well wishers after the opening of the 1999 session of the South African Parliament, February 5, 1999.

A traditionally dressed Xhosa woman adorns Nelson Mandela with a tribal beaded necklace at the installation of chief Patekile Holomisa (r), April 17, 1999

Nelson Mandela looks pensive before delivering a speech in the plenary hall of the Davos congress center at the World Economic Forum's 29th annual meeting January 29, 1999.

Nelson Mandela waves from a landau as he arrives at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, September 23, 1998.

Then President Bill Clinton looks toward Nelson Mandela as he gazes out through the bars of cell number 5 where he was imprisoned for 18-years on Robben Island March 27, 1998. Clinton said he was glad Mandela survived the experience without "having his heart turned into stone.

Nelson Mandela stares out of the window of the prison cell he occupied on Robben Island for much of his 27 year incarceration, February 11th, 1994.

Then South African President Nelson Mandela shakes hands with Springok captain Francois Pienaar after their team defeated New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final June 24, 1995. South Africa won 15-12 in extra time

Nelson Mandela holds a news conference December 14, 1994 for the launch of his autobiography "Long Walk To Freedom.

Nelson Mandela greets residents of Mmabatho March 15, 1994, during a visit after the nominal homeland came under South African control following the ousting of the former President Lucas Mangope

Thousands of supporters cheer Nelson Mandela during his speech at City Hall after taking the oath at Parliament to become president of South Africa May 9, 1994

Then South African President F. W. DeKlerk shakes hands with Nelson Mandela as then President Clinton looks on during Freedom Medal ceremonies in Philadelhpia July 4, 1993.

Nelson Mandela acknowledges the cheers of the United Nations members during speech to the U.N. Committee Against Apartheid, in the General Assembly Hall June 22, 1990.

Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela salute well-wishers as he leaves Victor Verster prison, February 11 1990

Nelson Mandela and his then wife Winnie are seen in this undated file picture.

He was given the name Nelson by a school teacher. He is also sometimes called Madiba, his traditional clan name.

Nelson Mandela greets Jimmy Carter at their meeting in Johannesburg.