Mandela's global birthday bash

16 July 2003

Nelson Mandela's 85th birthday on Saturday 18 July is set to be a global event that will be marked by millions. Always the activist, Mandela will be using his birthday to further some of the causes he cares most about - world peace, justice, the plight of the youth and combating HIV/Aids.

Although the former president, who never seems to slow down, will spend most of his actual birthday with his family, his worldwide community of fans and admirers are also claiming some of his time.

His amazing life story and remarkable wisdoms will be spread around the world for millions to imbibe. And there are plenty of events scheduled for the next few days to mark the life of the world’s most famous ex-prisoner.

Mandela in conversation
Mandela, who needs no introduction around the world, is scheduled to address two billion young people via an MTV special broadcast on the eve of his birthday, July 18, for the launch of the 2003 Staying Alive HIV/Aids Awareness Campaign.

The programme gives a historical overview of Mandela’s life and records his conversations about Aids, democracy, reconciliation and war with four youths – an HIV-positive Aids activist from Uganda, a Burmese activist for democracy, and an Israeli and Palestinian who have both suffered losses - who were flown to Johannesburg to speak to him.

• Mandela, four children on MTV

Carte Blanche on M-Net screened a special programme about Mandela on Sunday night (13 July) showing him in informal discussions with family, friends and workers.

The SABC will broadcast a two-part BBC series entitled "The Living Legend" on Thursday 17 July and again the following Thursday, 24 July. The documentary, produced by David Harrison and Dominic Alan, was screened in March in the United Kingdom to critical acclaim.

The SABC is also broadcasting a series of radio and television interviews focusing on Mandela’s birthday, while South African Airways has produced a four-minute video clip celebrating Mandela’s birthday to be screened on all flights this week, culminating on July 18.

On the morning of July 17, Education Minister Kader Asmal will present a special gift to Mandela at a media function at Mandela House.

Birthday messages of all shapes and sizes
On the actual day, Mandela will receive special birthday messages, including: a rendition of "Happy Birthday" by the Airforce Band, which will perform at 8am outside his Houghton home; birthday good wishes from a group of disabled children at 10am; and at 12 noon the Springbok rugby team will arrive to sing "Happy Birthday".

• Click here to post your birthday message to Nelson Mandela

Mandela will spend the rest of the day with his family, children and grandchildren.

On Saturday morning, former US president Bill Clinton will deliver the inaugural Nelson Mandela Lecture, now scheduled to be an annual event, to an audience of 1 000 at the Nelson Mandela Theatre, formerly the Civic Theatre, in Johannesburg.

• More on the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture

Let the party begin!
Later in the evening the real celebrations will begin with a banquet of 1 600 guests held in his honour at the Sandton Convention Centre, sponsored by Coca-Cola. Dignitaries, presidents, royalty, celebrities – including several top Hollywood stars – politicians, friends and family will be attending, as will Mandela’s gardener and cook.

According to his spokesperson, Zelda la Grange, all those people who have a special relationship with Mandela will be there. The guests, expected to arrive from 6.30pm, will receive red-carpet treatment.

Clinton, his wife Hillary and daughter Chelsea will attend the banquet, as will Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. Celebrities likely to be there include Oprah Winfrey, actor Robert De Niro, model Naomi Campbell and singers Barbara Streisand, Michael Jackson, Bono (from U2) and Stevie Wonder.

Both international and local stars will be performing at the bash, with Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Sibongile Khumalo and PJ Powers forming part of the South African line-up. Other South African personalities on the guest list include Desmond Tutu, Basetsana Kumalo and Khanyi Dhlomo, accompanied by Mark Shuttleworth. The event will be broadcast live around the continent by SABC.

Nelson Mandela bridge opens
On Sunday 20 July the long-awaited opening of the Nelson Mandela Bridge, linking Braamfontein and Newton, will take place in a day of high celebration around Johannesburg.

Mandela himself is expected to attend the opening of the largest cable-stayed bridge in southern Africa. As a man who has spent his life building bridges between people, there is surely no candidate more deserving to be the bridge’s namesake.

• The Nelson Mandela Bridge

The Blue IQ Joburg City Challenge, a half-marathon race, will be held to coincide with the opening of the spectacular bridge, which will handle two lanes of traffic, two pedestrian walkways and a cycle path. Money raised by the marathon will go to Siyawela Community Childcare, a counselling service for children affected by HIV/Aids, run by Hope Worldwide.

• Stars for Joburg half-marathon

A festival of activities – dance, music, crafts, food and drink – will be on offer in Newtown, where the bridge opening will also mark the launch of Newtown’s many new offerings. According to a statement by Blue IQ: "The developments and building upgrades have made a huge difference, and the fact that safety and security were one of the first challenges resolved makes Newtown a real treat for the whole family."

Commemorative editions
A commemorative newspaper supplement on Mandela, sponsored by Vodacom, has been compiled by Independent Newspapers. The supplement will be inserted into the 17 largest newspapers around the country on 18 July, including those not in the Independent’s stable.

A total of 1.5-million copies of the birthday supplement are being distributed in the largest print-run of a South African newspaper supplement ever.

In partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Vodacom is also running a campaign to motivate people to send SMS birthday messages to Mandela up until 17 July. Vodacom will choose the two "best" birthday messages to be conveyed personally to Mandela on his birthday.

Vodacom will distribute the funds from the messages received to the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s rural school-building project.

Phew! Imagine the celebrations when Mandela turns 90! Long live, Madiba, long live!

Extract from the Nelson Mandela Birthday Message Book ...

Happy Birthday Nelson we have just done a mini project on you and you are really cool. Thanks! P.S. Can you send me a e-mail of your autograph please. From
Scott Baxter
Newcastle, England

Happy birthday TATA I hope God can keep you much longer than 85yrs coz you mean a lot you young people, especially me. You are the man of peace. Khula njalo nje!!!!
Thobeka Mbunjana
Cato Manor, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Dear Madiba, you are one of the reasons I, a Swede married to a South African, now am proud to be part of this country. You are an amazing man! May you live to beat all the records for the longest living person as I don't want to see this world without you. We need more people with your ability to love and forgive. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Johanna Neate
Johannesburg, South Africa

Best wishes to a great inspirator.
Mo Jallow
UK

Liewe Madiba, veels geluk met u verjaarsdag en mag daar nog vele meer wees.
Leon Human
Cape Town, South Africa

Happy birthday!
Matt
USA

Surely you will be rewarded by the Almighty God. You have set the example for African leaders to follow.
Alie Bah
USA

Ukhule uze ukhokhobe Ntsimbi ayigobi. Many, many happy returns Bra Madiba.
Steve Khala
Hamburg, Germany

Deux destins différents pour deux ëtres nés avec 51 ans de distance. Nous ne nous rencontrerons jamais. Mais de tout coeur je te souhaite un bon anniversaire et longevité. Moi mon rêve de t'écrire pour ce souhait vient de se réaliser.
LEDO Charlotte Aurore
Brazzaville, Congo

As you have brought joy and hope into the lives of millions, may the Lord fill your life with so much joy. May every new day be filled with new testimonies in your life, may God keep you alive, Africa's greatest hero. Even if I will never meet you, you will always be my greatest inspiration. Happy birthday.
Clarke Raphael
Nigeria

Ukhule ungakhokhobi, Tata inga ndingakugalela ityiwa ungaboli.
Yolanda Lupondo
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

May the light you have brought to Africa and the black race be forever strong.
Adewuyi Davies
Canada

Barend, Retha, Marietjie (13) and Anja (11) Vos hope you'll have a wonderful birthday. Thank you for being an inspiration and a true role model! We look forward to your 95th! Have a good year.
Marietjie Vos
Warrenton, Northern Cape, South Africa

Dear Leader. I want to wish you a happy birthday. More so I want to thank your existence and the ANC as without you and the organisation we would not be where we are today. As a young worker I have gained a lot of insight and courage to eliminate and fight oppression in all its forms through your legacy. Most of my friends admire the unbelievable stances you have taken in your life together with your comrades and serve to guide us in our daily struggles be it worker or student struggles. Your legacy and courage will ever be with us. Enjoy your birthday.
Malizo Sinono
Alberton, Gauteng, South Africa

Happy birthday and may God bless you and shine His grace on you. You are one of the great leaders of our era and a good authority for mama Africa our dear continent.
Jerome
Pawtucket, RI, USA

Mister Mandela, wish you a very happy birthday from Holland, wish you would be a few years younger so you could lead South Africa a bit longer.
Frank Geluk
Grijpskerke, Holland

Darling Madiba, A blessed birthday wish to you - may your spirit live on forever. You are a true icon and mentor to me. My dearest wish is that I may hug you one day. Love from an extremely passionate South African. PS. Graca, don't miss a day without hugging your dearest man. Love
Denise Schmidt
Blouberg, Cape Town, South Africa

Sir, your light shines everywhere you go, and long may it continue to shine. God bless and stay healthy, you're much loved.
Dimeji Lanlehin
Northwood, England

Happy birthday tata! May the good Lord grant you many more years and keep you strong. You are a marvellous person. I wonder what the world will be like without you. You have set a good example in all what you do. You are such a humble and inspirational person. I am astounded as to why other politicians do not just copy what you have demonstrated all along. The world will be a peaceful place with leaders like you. Mandela, Tata, enjoy your day.
Kenneth Phakathi
United Kingdom

You continue to be an inspiration to humanity - have a lovely day.
Kevin Weller
New York, USA

Happy birthday tata. May God bless you, and see you through to a healthy 100 years or more with us!
Lebogang Nthathe
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Congratulations, may God bless you!
Mary Aloyce
Tanzania

Mr Mandela, we salute you! You made all South Africans proud. May you be blessed! Hugs
Ronel van Zyl
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

Maybe one day there will be more world leaders like you around.
Libertad
Nicaragua

Happy birthday Mr Mandela! May you be blessed with many more. Godspeed!
Aya Sanipe
San Francisco, CA

May you live further with joy and inspire humanity with your principled leadership. Your time with us on the day of Eid lives in our hearts! May the SABC video which records that historic day be an inspiration for all. Long live Madiba! Long live the spirit of camaraderie with Muslims and our fellow citizens!
Iqbal Jhazbhay
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

Dearest Madiba. Your mere presence adds a sparkle to every day of my life. My gratitude to you, for your years of struggle cannot be expressed in words. Thank you. May the Heavens smile down upon you on your 85th birthday! God bless.
Sumaiya
Mpumalanga, South Africa

Happy birthday Mandela, I have just finished reading your autobiography and I want you to know that I am in the process of changing my life for the better. I wish you are around for the next 100 years. God bless you.
Alexander Adeoye
Atlanta, Georgia, USA

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