UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE HONORARIUM RING PRESENTATION NEWS

Happy birthday Mr. President - BuaNews

President Thabo Mbeki and his wife Zanele joined the rest of the world today in wishing uTata Madiba a happy and warm birthday.

Mr Mandela turned 88 today and he will be spending the day "quietly" at his home in Qunu, in the Eastern Cape.

"Happy Birthday Tata! And may you live long enough to see South Africa and its people transmute into a prosperous and matured democratic country!" he wished the former president.

Mr Mbeki's family and the country at large have wished Mr Mandela a long life "to see the full bloom of our nation as it continues to regenerate itself into a peaceful, prosperous and united people, at peace with itself and its neighbours".

In describing the country's first democratic president, Mr Mbeki said Madiba was an example and a "rare model" the country had born.

Mr Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison for fighting for this country's liberation from the apartheid government, became South Africa's first black president in 1994.

Other messages of good wishes have been pouring in from current and former heads of state, leaders of political parties, celebrities, trade union leaders and children in and around the country.

North West Premier Edna Molewa said South Africa was proud to have a "father and political visionary like you".

"Your leadership, selflessness and sacrifices you made for this nation are an indelible mark that will never be erased in our minds and indeed our lives."

Ms Molewa said Tata's charisma, "a gift only God could bestow on you, shines like a beacon of light in our lives.

"South Africans will never cease to sing your praises. We hail your contribution in ensuring the restoration of the dignity of the majority of South Africans."

Although Madiba stepped down from active political life in June 2004, he is still inundated by invitations from various political and business formations alike, seeking his advice or in other cases just for his presence at their functions.

After his retirement from public life a few years ago, the former president warned the public: "don't call me, I will call you" so he could relax and enjoy his finest pension moments in peace.

But, unsurprisingly this humble statesman is up and about joining charity organisations in their noble activities through the Nelson Mandela Foundation to raise funds for the poor and needy.

Celebrations marking his birthday began in earnest last week, with the launch of a book titled The Meaning of Mandela.

This is part of the two-week long birthday celebrations.

Paying tribute to Tata's contributions to the world, the book was put together by Jurgen Schadeberg and Alf Khumalo.

As part of the celebrations, Madiba will also receive an honorarium ring from the University of Fort Hare this Thursday.

On 29 July, President Mbeki will deliver the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture.

By Sello Tang