In 1998, Mandela marked his 80th birthday by marrying his sweetheart, the former first lady of Mozambique, Graca Michel. Five years ago he turned 85 with a lavish celebratory bash; the guest list including international celebrities and dignitaries like actor Robert de Niro, ex US President Bill Clinton and church leader and activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu among others. This time around Madiba and Graca have decided that the celebrations will be more tight-knit and family-oriented.
Returning Home
The Mandela family and some close friends will celebrate this special occasion on Friday with a quiet gathering at Madiba's childhood home, Qunu Village on the Transkei coast of South Africa. Although he has been back on numerous occasions, this return is still likely to bring the memories flooding back as this was where Mandela used to play games as a child, including Thinti, a boys' game where sticks are placed in the ground and then hit out with others thrown from a distance away. At night he would sit around the fire with his peers, listening intently as village elders recounted stories that had been carried through generations. And so it is that this modest and dignified statesman returns again to his humble beginnings ... beginnings that he has never forgotten and has used as an example and reminder to others on numerous occasions. May his celebration be a rewarding one.
World Celebrations, Launches and Wishes
Besides the low-key event involving Madiba and his family, his 90th birthday has inspired numerous other celebrations and launches organized in his honor throughout South Africa and other parts of the World, which have been in full swing and will continue throughout the year. Many international statesmen have already sent congratulations to Mr. Mandela on his landmark birthday.
- A new, limited edition South African revenue stamp featuring Mandela was launched on July 15.
- The 46664 Concert, featuring Mandela himself, Queen, Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, Josh Groban and poet-activist Vusi Mahlasela among others was held in Hyde Park, London on June 27.
- Madiba enjoyed a quiet luncheon in his honor with old friends and comrades of the liberation struggle on July 8.
- Various websites have dedicated pages and blogs to the elderly icon, enabling fans to post birthday wishes to their hero.
- A second 46664 concert is scheduled in Rio de Janeiro in November as part of ongoing birthday celebrations.
Tribute
The man, the president, the icon, the hero, the living legend who is Nelson Mandela spent 26 long years in custody under South Africa's Apartheid system on charges of treason. On his release he, along with then President F.W. de Klerk, guided South Africa through the transitional stages and into democracy. The peaceful end to Apartheid gained Madiba and de Klerk the Nobel Peace prize and international acclaim, with South Africa becoming a blueprint for political resolution in a World increasingly disrupted by political upheaval and civil war.
During his tenure as President, Mandela formed the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, which has raised millions in aid for disadvantaged children in Africa, primarily those affected by the ravages of the H.I.V. virus and AIDS.
Nelson Mandela has retired from active politics but remains a concerned and influential citizen of the New South Africa. International relations that he forged during his tenure remain and his influence in the area of civil rights remains exceptional.
The only one thing remaining to say is ... Happy 90th Birthday Madiba, and may there be many more.
