Birthday wishes for Madiba

By Staff Reporters
18 July 2007

South African anti-apartheid icon, Nelson Mandela celebrated his 89th birthday on Wednesday, with tributes and birthday wishes pouring in from across the globe.

Huge celebrations are planned countrywide to mark the event, but Madiba himself will spend a reasonably quiet day at home with his wife Graca Machel.

A full house is expected at Newlands in Cape Town tonight when a star studded international soccer team will take part in a match to highlight Madiba’s birthday.

Meanwhile on the streets of Cape Town residents of the city gave their birthday wishes to the much loved former president.

Colin Philander, “Mr Mandela you are a special icon, it’s an honour for me to wish you an 89th birthday. I wish there is many more for you sir”.

Carmen Harenberg,"I hope you have an absolute fantastic day”.

Kihaam Manuel, “Happy Birthday Nelson ‘Madiba’ Mandela, I hope you have a wonderful birthday 89th birthday and may God spare you for many more years”.

Vincent Songezo Mcetywa, “I wish you many more years to come”.

Celeste Magwa, "Happy Birthday Tata Madiba! Long live, long live”.

Yonela Makhala, “Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela and we wish you many more”.

Sikhumbule Mathokazi, “Happy Birthday Tata Madiba and thanks for your hard work and for setting us free may God keep you”.