90 வயதாகும் அஹிம்சை போராளி மடிபா மாண்டெலாவுக்கு வீர வணக்கங்கள்

90 வயதாகும் அஹிம்சை போராளி மடிபா மாண்டெலாவுக்கு வீர வணக்கங்கள்

தனது 90ஆவது பிறந்த நாளை கொண்டாடும் மடிபாவுக்கு வாழ்த்துக்கள்.



Madiba recalls tragic separation from family


The Nobel peace has become a symbol of freedom admired the world over

July 18, 2008, 18:30

Nelson Mandela has told the SABC that he would have liked to have spent more time with his family during the apartheid years, but had an important role to play in other spheres. The iconic statesman celebrated his 90th birthday in the remote rural Eastern Cape village of Qunu, today.

"I also have that wish that I spent more time, with my family. I don't regret it because the things that attracted me were things that satisfied my soul. So I don't regret it," he said. Mandela spent the day in Qunu with his wife Graca, grandchildren and relatives. And his birthday wish to world leaders and business was to enhance the fight against global poverty and unemployment.

Seeming relaxed, and belying his 90 years, he recalled his heartbreaking separation from his family. The family says Mandela's life journey has been filled with joy and pain.

Mandela sacrificed his life to liberate his people and while in prison security forces did not allow him to go and bury his family members. Mandela spent a quiet day with his family, as preparations were finalised for a big party tomorrow.

Big feast tomorrow
Community members gathered early at the Mandela home. They were busy slaughtering and preparing for tomorrow's big feast. Some people from nearby towns and villages gathered at Mthatha city centre to celebrate Madiba's legacy. Various artists and musicians also came to entertain and the fun filled event. An air of excitement hung palpably over the non-descript village of Qunu.

Birthday well wishes continue to pour in unabated, from the artless messages sang by little children to sobering birthday tributes. Ordinary South African's just wanted to wish Nelson Mandela well on his 90th birthday. Even the homeless joined in, sending their best wishes to Madiba.

Longtime friends and comrades also joined in the list of well wishers for Madiba as he celebrates his 90th birthday. Among them ANC deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe, deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Mac Maharaj, former university classmate and confidante George Bizos hailed Madiba for his courage, sacrifice, generosity and compassion.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cheri joined the rest of the world leaders in wishing tatu'Mandela a good day saying that Madiba's wisdom and understanding is even greater than the 90 years.

Businessman and former political prisoner at Robben Island Tokyo Sexwale has praised former President FW De Klerk for having courage to release Nelson Mandela. Sexwale was speaking during Mandela's 90th birthday celebrations at Robben Island. He said he was emotionally touched to hear De Klerk saying all the good things about Madiba.

A Northern Cape liberation struggle veteran also added to the messages of congratulations to Mandela. Mittah Seperepere aged slightly over 80 was actively involved in the ANC's Women's League for many years. She lived in exile in countries including Zambia and Tanzania until the early 1990's. Seperepere says the former president will remain a source of inspiration because of his humility.