July 2001 Africa News Headlines

Wednesday, July 18, 2001 - Web posted at 7:22:39 GMT

Smiling Mandela celebrates birthday

JOHANNESBURG - A smiling Nelson Mandela told well-wishers at his "surprise" birthday party at his office in Houghton, Johannesburg on Wednesday morning that he felt younger and fitter than ever.

"I feel as young as you, young man," the 83-year-old Mandela told a bright-eyed journalist.

Mandela and his wife, former Mozambican first lady Graca Machel, were also celebrating their third wedding anniversary. The couple danced together as a group of pupils from the Norwood Primary School, a saxophonist and a trumpeter performed a birthday song.

"I feel very happy today. I could not ask for anything more than to be wished happy birthday by children," Mandela said.

A school teacher accompanying the children said she was more excited than the youngsters.

"I couldn't sleep last night. The kids were so calm but I was so excited. It really was an honour for us to sing for him."

One of the pupils, Kina Mkhize, said wishing Mandela happy birthday was one of her happiest days.

"My parents were shocked when I told them I would meet him. I can't wait to tell them about this."

Mandela was due to spend the rest of the day surrounded by his family and close friends at home.

He retired from public office after one term as president after the second non-racial democratic elections in June 1999.

Born in Qunu in what is now the Eastern Cape, Mandela was involved in the struggle against apartheid for most of his life.

As a young man he moved to Johannesburg and worked as an attorney, later going underground to develop the armed wing of the African National Congress -- activities for which he received a life sentence in 1964.

Three years after his release from prison in 1990, he shared the Nobel Peace Prize with South Africa's last white president, FW de Klerk.

Since retiring, Mandela has devoted his time to children's issues, most notably obtaining funding to build or improve schools in disadvantaged areas.

He also became chief peace facilitator for Burundi after the death of former Tanzanian president Julius Nyerere.

Mandela is hugely popular and is widely regarded as a "national grandfather."

Nampa-Sapa

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