African National Congress veteran Albertina Sisulu celebrated her 90th birthday with pomp and glamour on Tuesday, with renowned guests such as former president Nelson Mandela.
More 300 people paid homage to the widow of the late Walter Sisulu for the prominent role she plays in the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre of Africa (WSPCCA).
Sisulu, wearing a formal maroon suit, was brought into the room in a wheelchair as bagpipes belted out Happy Birthday.
Radio presenter Sam Cowan, who hosted the event, said the WSPCCA played a vital role in saving children who required heart surgery.
”Sisulu and the WSPCCA have done a wonderful job by helping these children in South Africa and Africa,” said Cowan.
Linda Bleazare, CEO of the WSPCCA, said the centre spent, on average, about R140 000 per heart operation.
Standard Bank deputy chairperson Saki Macozoma lauded Sisulu for her role in the apartheid struggle, describing her as a ”self-made woman”.
”We appreciate her role and we will continue funding such a good cause,” said Macozoma.
Mandela surprised guests by appearing midway through the celebrations.
Flanked by journalists and cameramen, Mandela, wearing a gold print shirt, walked on stage leaning on his cane, assisted by his wife Graça Machel. Other guests included government officials, celebrities and Sisulu’s daughter, Housing Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, along with the rest of the Sisulu family.
The WSPCCA children were invited on stage to sing along with a choir, while Sisulu was presented with a cake.
Mandela, smiling, took up position in an easy chair on stage and held hands with his old friend. – Sapa