SA privileged to celebrate the life of Mandela

President Thabo Mbeki has wished his predecessor Nelson Mandela, who turns 89 on Wednesday, a happy birthday.

Mbeki on Tuesday said the celebration of Mandela’s birthday is an opportunity to “re-dedicate ourselves to the ideals and values for which he has stood and continued to uphold”.

He said the Fifa-organised soccer match in Madiba’s honour was a fitting tribute to a deserving elder.

Mandela was an inspiration to South Africa, the continent and the rest of humanity through his life, his leadership and his resolute and deep-seated commitment to the struggle against apartheid and for a just and democratic society.

“The country and the world are privileged to celebrate the life of such an outstanding leader of our people,” wrote Mbeki in a statement.

Mbeki recalled Mandela’s statement from the dock in the Rivonia Trial in 1964 when he said: “I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.

“It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

Deeply honoured

Brazilian soccer great Pele and three-time African player of the year Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon are among 50 past and present international stars taking part in a soccer friendly—“90 Minutes for Mandela”.

A smiling Mandela this week received an official shirt for the match with his name and number 89 on the back.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this tribute ... but it must always be remembered that I was one of many who fought for freedom from tyranny and racism,” Mandela said.

The match, to be played in Cape Town, will pit an Africa side against a Rest of the World team.

“I have met a lot of great personalities in my life but Nelson Mandela is an extraordinary person,” Pele said. “I am really touched and honoured to lead the Rest of the World team in his birthday match. I am a big admirer of what this man has achieved in his life.” - Sapa