20100719
africanews

Nobel Peace Laureate Nelson Madiba Mandela celebrated his 92nd birthday in the company of his family on Sunday. Mandela, the global icon who campaigned tirelessly for peace and emancipation of his people, stayed on in Johannesburg, South Africa, for an event he has occasionally celebrated in Qunu, the village where he grew up.

After spending 27 years in prison between 1962 and 1990 for his role in fighting the apartheid regime, Madiba (his clan name) became the first President of post-apartheid South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He also served as one of the prime movers behind the country’s successful bid to host the just ended 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Sunday, July 18, some of the world’s sport stars, celebrities, NGOs and renowned personalities celebrated the life of a man who selflessly gave up three decades of his life in working towards equality for all and global peace. FIFA President, Joseph Sepp Blatter also paid a special tribute to Madiba on this special day.

“In general, birthdays are an occasion to congratulate someone and wish them the best, but to me your birthday represents much more than that,” stated FIFA boss, Blatter in a birthday letter addressed to Mandela. “I don’t think I am able to express all the thoughts and emotions I would like to share with you in a simple letter, but know that I cherish this friendship that cannot be expressed in words,” FIFA.com quoted.

Born in the rural village of Mvezo in the former Transkie, Madiba spent his childhood in Qunu village, about 20 kilometres from Mthatha. His early years were spent in this area until he left for higher education to Fort Hare University in the Eastern Cape. It is here that his thinking was shaped and began his devotion and quest for freedom. After moving to Johannesburg, Madiba began his open defiance to the system and was consequently arrested. Freed in 1990 after years of perennial struggling in Robben Island, he led his country to a peaceful transition.

This year, Madiba’s birthday was celebrated worldwide as ‘Nelson Mandela International Day’, an occasion endorsed by the United Nations to commemorate his “contribution to the culture of peace and freedom”. The Day will be observed annually every 18 July.

Current South African President Jacob Zuma delivered a speech in Qunu on Sunday, July 18; “I don’t think I am able to express all the thoughts and emotions I would like to share with you in a simple letter,” Zuma said.

Down Memory Lane

On February 2 1990, South African President F.W. de Klerk lifted the 30-year ban on the African National Congress and black nationalist Nelson Mandela. He was released from prison on February 11 after 27 years behind bars.

A lawyer from the Transkei, Mandela was convicted of treason and sabotage in June 1964 and sentenced to life imprisonment. He spent the first 18 years of his sentence on Robben Island, off Cape Town, doing hard labor, and later spent time at Pollsmoor Prison and Victor Verster Prison, closer to the mainland.

Mandela refused numerous offers for early release from the government in Pretoria because of the conditions attached. Then the world's best-known political prisoner, Mandela was 71 when he was released.

Following his release, he negotiated the end of apartheid, took over as South Africa's first black president after the country held its first all-race election, and began reuniting the people of South Africa under one flag with his incredible wisdom and patience.

Not to mention the forgiveness he showed, his willingness to move on and consider his jailers of 27 years as fellow South Africans. He led the country until 1999, and is still seen by most people in the country as the best leader the nation has had the pleasure of following.

South Africa can be very proud of their honorary leader and a man who could not be broken by imprisonment or hatred. He is a role model to millions of people and an over achiever who will forever be remembered as South Africa’s greatest son.