Birthday gifts roll in for Madiba

Former British prime minister Tony Blair is one of hundreds of well-wishers across the globe who have sent gifts to anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela for his 89th birthday on Wednesday.

“We have received a deluge of gifts and messages, from Blair and hundreds of other high-profile and ordinary people across the world,” said Boniswa Qabaka-Nyeti, a spokesperson at the flagship Nelson Mandela Foundation.

“We received a remarkable gift, a large yellow and black bowl made of pottery from Tony Blair. It is very beautiful and we adore it.”

Blair met Mandela in his office in Johannesburg on May 31 during the-then British premier’s farewell tour of Africa.

The CEO of the South African Broadcasting Corporation, Dali Mpofu, was among other high-profile figures who had honoured Mandela by presenting him with a shield and a spear, said Qabaka-Nyeti.

Hundreds more goodwill messages had also poured in from politicians, business leaders and members of the public.

“The list of gifts from well-wishers is very long and we are moved by the expression of love for Mandela from across the world,” added Qabaka-Nyeti.—Sapa-AFP