Nelson Mandela is spending his 95th birthday in hospital in Pretoria,
as events take place around the world and in South Africa in his honour. South
Africans have been urged to mark Mr Mandela's 67 years of public service with
67 minutes of charitable acts.
Mr Mandela has spent the last 41 days in a Pretoria hospital in a critical but stable
condition after being admitted for a recurring lung infection on June 8.
"He continues to respond positively to treatment and we are encouraged
by the progress he is making," said President Jacob Zuma, after visiting
Mr Mandela in hospital. "When I visited him today... I was able to say
'happy birthday' and he was able to smile,"
"We are proud to call this international icon our own as South Africans
and wish him good health." He thanked people for their support of Mr Mandela and "undying love and
compassion, and for responding to a call to give the beloved figure "the
biggest birthday celebration ever this year."
Children in schools around the country started the day by singing
"Happy Birthday" to Mr Mandela. The UN declared the Nobel peace laureate's birthday Mandela Day in 2010, but
for many this year takes on extra poignancy. Happy Birthday Madiba!
No comments:
Post a Comment