Happy Birthday Madiba, at 91 all he wants to do is stay at home and rest
WHILE the world marks the first Nelson Mandela Day, the former president will be resting at home.
Tomorrow, July 18, marks Mandela’s 91st birthday.
People around the globe are encouraged — and many have already pledged — to spend 67 minutes of their time doing community work. The initiative was created by the 46664 campaign and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
President Jacob Zuma endorsed the plan in his state of the nation address earlier this year.
The effort reflects the Nobel laureate’s 67 years of uninterrupted and selfless service to the people of South Africa and the world.
Ruth Rensburg, resource development manager at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, said Mandela was “honoured” by the worldwide initiatives.
“[But] he will be spending his day, as he has in recent years, at home surrounded by friends, family and comrades,” she said.
In a recorded interview released this week, Madiba said: “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it. Mandela Day will not be a holiday, but a day devoted to service.”
Rensburg said: “This day is symbolic in terms of the commitment he showed in his life and he hopes people work not only on Mandela Day, but every day in their communities to uplift those in need.”
Former president FW de Klerk said even in his well-deserved retirement, Mandela continues to be a force for reconciliation and social justice throughout the world.
“I would like to convey my warmest best wishes to former president Nelson Mandela on his 91st birthday,” De Klerk said.
A s Madiba birthday mania sweeps across the world, local communities, schools and politicians are rolling up their sleeves to do good.
The ANC has called on all its members to join the world in celebrating Mandela’s birthday. The party is planning a number of activities tomorrow, with Zuma leading the campaign.
Zuma, together with the entire ANC national executive committee, is expected to visit Mandela at his home tomorrow morning.
The president will then visit Ivory Park, near Johannesburg, to spend his 67 minutes engaging with the elderly.
Members of Parliament from all political parties will celebrate the day by engaging in charitable activities , including painting government buildings and conducting clean-up operations.
The ANC said at the completion of voluntary activities, formal celebrations will be held at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown.
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe is expected to address the 15000 people expected at the event, attended by local celebrities RJ Benjamin, Chommie, Zamajobe, Kwela Tebza and others.
In Durban, Mandela Day activities include a clean-up in Wentworth, south of the city, while Capetonians will play host to the Ubuntu Street Festival at the Mandela Rhodes Place venue.
The Mandela concert at New York’s Madison Square Garden will feature local acts Jesse Clegg, Freshlyground and Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, alongside French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. The event also stars singers Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin, Hollywood stars Forest Whitaker, Susan Sarandon and Matt Damon.
The concert aims to raise funds for Mandela’s 46664 campaign.
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