Nelson Mandela at 90
About the 90th Celebrations
The celebrations for Madiba’s 90th birthday have already started. This is a year-long occasion with events ranging from exhibitions, dialogues, book launches, 46664 concerts and the Sixth Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture. Our focus is on ‘a celebration of ideas’ and while there will be shows and musical events, they too are aimed assisting our ongoing work in social justice work started by Madiba and the perpetuation of his ideals of freedom, non-racism and gender equality.
News
Nelson Mandela Foundation book wins award
Dec 18, 2008 – The Nelson Mandela Foundation is pleased to announce that one of the two books it released in 2008 to coincide with Mr Mandela’s 90th birthday has been honoured with an international award.
Hunger for Freedom: The Story of Food in the Life of Nelson Mandela by Anna Trapido and published by Jacana Media, in association with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, is the South African winner of the Gourmand World Cookbook Award.
Madiba enjoys children’s cards
August 5, 2008 – Nelson Mandela took time today to view an exhibition of some of the thousands of hand-drawn 90th birthday cards sent to him by children.
He expressed his “joy” at a private celebration with staff of the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton, Johannesburg.
Nelson Mandela addresses ANC rally to celebrate his 90th birthday
President of the African National Congress, Comrade Jacob Zuma
President of the Republic of South Africa, Comrade Thabo Mbeki
Leadership of the ANC and of Government
Members, Comrades, Compatriots, Friends
I thank the ANC for organising this rally to celebrate our 90th birthday.
I would be nothing without the ANC. The struggle had been my life and the ANC led that struggle.
I thank the ANC for having given meaning to my 90 years on this planet, in this country we all love so dearly.
And I ask you today: do not celebrate an individual. Celebrate the achievements and reaffirm the values of a great organisation, one that has led for almost a hundred years.
Mail bag full of birthday cards
August 1, 2008 – A group of 20 of the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s staff has been sorting through hundreds of birthday cards sent from around the world for Mr Mandela’s 90th birthday.
Madiba’s birthday message
July 18, 2008 – Mr Mandela gave this message to the world:
“There are many people in South Africa who are rich and who can share those riches with those not so fortunate who have not been able to conquer poverty. Poverty has gripped our people. If you are poor, you are not likely to live long.”
