News
Nelson Mandela meets with U-12 soccer team
Aug 27, 2008 – Nelson Mandela today met young South African soccer champions from Bree Primary School in Mayfair, Johannesburg, ahead of their trip to France to represent South Africa.
The 15 members of the Danone Under-12 team met Mr Mandela at his offices in Johannesburg.
Nelson Mandela statue unveiled in Cape Town
Nelson Mandela, his family, friends and supporters, braved a downpour to witness the unveiling of a statue of him at the prison from which he was released in 1990.
The 3.2m bronze statue weighing 460kg was donated by the Sexwale Family Foundation to honour the anti-apartheid icon in his 90th year.
It stands at the entrance to Drakenstein Prison.
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.”