Birthday wishes stream in for Mandela

Congratulatory messages continued to stream in on Friday for former president Nelson Mandela, two days ahead of the struggle icon’s 92nd birthday.

“We wish him more health and many more years filled with love and happiness in his retirement, after serving the nation and the world with distinction,” the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) said in a statement.

Mandela’s birthday is on July 18, a date designated International Nelson Mandela Day by the United Nations in recognition of the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s contribution to promoting race relations and human rights.

Nehawu called on all its members to “spend a minimum of 67 minutes of their time making a positive contribution in their communities” to mark the day.

United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa also offered congratulations.

“Happy Birthday Tata, from all of us, and congratulations on your 12th wedding anniversary too!

“We honour your wisdom, your statesmanship and the finesse with which you assisted South Africa’s transition from apartheid into a democracy that stunned the world; the miracle of Madiba’s Rainbow Nation,” he said in a statement.

The South African Medical Association (Sama) wished Mandela a “happy and blessed” birthday, noting that he had devoted more than 67 years to serving his community.

“[We] call on all doctors to spend 67 minutes of their time on Mandela Day in the form of voluntary health services—by means of donations, partnering with NGOs, organising and supporting activities that are to the health benefit of the nation,” it said.—Sapa