December 5th, 2013 -- With the death of Nelson Mandela, the world has lost "a visionary leader, a giant for justice who raised the standard of humanity the world over," according to Ron Nechemia, Chairman of the EurOrient Financial Group. Imprisoned for nearly three decades for his fight against white minority rule, Nelson Mandela emerged determined to use his prestige and charisma to bring down apartheid while avoiding a civil war. Mandela was freed in 1990 and became South Africa's first black president in 1994.