/ 14 April 2013

International Mandela birthday plans underway

International Mandela Birthday Plans Underway

According to the report, relatives were peddling "Nelson Mandela birthday celebrations" in various cities, with several soccer matches involving Manchester City, for the former statesman's 95th birthday on July 18.

The events, advertised in a 25-page brochure, are organised by the African Rising Foundation and include a gala dinner at the Union Buildings in Pretoria with "African leaders, friends of Madiba, pan-African multinationals and institutions".

Another event, the "Monaco Million Dollar Super Four", is a boxing tournament in which super-middleweight prospect Edwin Rodriguez is expected to take part, according to the report.

Golden Gloves owner Rodney Berman was meant to organise the event but Sunday Times reported that he distanced himself from the tournament on Friday.

"In light of the fight for the Madiba millions and given his health, Golden Gloves took a decision not to get involved in this. We don't want to get caught in any crossfire," Berman was quoted as saying.

Mandela was discharged on April 6, after being admitted to a Pretoria hospital on March 27 to receive treatment for a lung condition.