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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.”
Message book has work to do
July 18, 2008 – The Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) is to publish an authorised book of messages for Mr Mandela’s birthday.
The 90th birthday celebration book will include rare archival material assembled by the NMF’s Centre of Memory and Dialogue and will serve to raise funds for the NMF’s work.
Birthday celebrations continue
July 17, 2008 – After nearly six months of celebrations for Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday, ranging from exhibitions and dialogues to reunions with former comrades and the Annual Lecture delivered by Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf last week, the activities will continue.