Dear Mr Mandela ...
Welcome to the official Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book, page 10
Nelson Mandela turned 85 on 18 July 2003 - and you, and you, and you ... sent him 17 842 birthday messages via the official Mandela 85th Birthday website.
A selection of your messages has been published in this Book. See the box on the right for the full list of pages.
85 of the most important years ever lived. May there be many more. Love, Richard, Joan, Holly and Sam Branson.
Richard Branson
England
Before she died, my grandmother used to call you Messiah, saying you were anointed to deliver peace to South Africa. That was during perhaps the most violent era of SA's history. Needless to say you live today in testimony to that. Just short of being blasphemous, you are indeed God's greatest gift to human kind. The only living icon of humanity. Happy 85th birthday Sthwalande!
Bongani
Majola
Buccleuch, Johannesburg, South Africa
Baie geluk, mag die Here u seen vir nog baie jare.
AC Rabie
Ventersdorp, North West, South Africa
Dear Madiba, ever since your ascendancy to the presidency of South Africa I have come to learn that greatness and humbleness are inseparable. As a former South African resident permit me to wish you a most wonderful birthday, and may your health know no let-up, so you will grace our lives for many more years to come.
Gus
Austria
How does one dignify and celebrate the birth of a man who signifies all that is good about South Africa? Perhaps with love and laughter, but, above all, with simplicity - that which represents the truth of Mandela, the icon and the man. Happy birthday. I truly wish you many many more.
Debbi
Killarney, Gauteng, South Africa
Tata, you are a special
gift from God, like Moses you did and are still doing the good work. May God bless you and your family. Happy birthday Tata. All the best in all you do.
Molatoli Sephoko
Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
May your efforts for fighting for peace and human rights be remembered foreve. This only reminds me of your excellent words: "It is an ideal which I hope to live for and achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."
Ramarumo Mulalo
Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba. Worked on Robben Island during 1973-1977 in your section. Hope to meet you soon on appointment. All the best and stay well.
Koos Engelbrecht
Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa
You are one of your own KIND and there is none like you. Happy birthday Tata, I wish you many more years to come. Be a legend for all other generations to
come, God bless you.
Thandazani Moyo
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
My son shares his birthday with you - I wish that he inherits some of your many talents and attributes.
Arik Sherban
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Dear Sir. Happy birthday. Your work gives hope for the world. But please give a little of you to your family and your self. Best regards.
Jorn (John) G. Larsen
Copenhagen, Denmark
Dr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Blessed are those who work for peace. God will call them His children. Thank you for dedicating your entire life to the cause of human rights for all.
Ndumiso Mdladlamba
Embalenhle, Gauteng, South Africa
You are and will always be a legend. My grandfather spent a lot of time with you during the struggle, he passed away but what he told us about you and him will live on forever.
Thank you for your courage, strength and willpower. We are free today because of you. Viva Mandela!
Desiré Hayworth
Eldorado Park, Gauteng, South Africa
Happy Birthday to you Tata Madiba: For all what you have done for us as a country and what picture you have portrayed to the whole world. May your family, friends and the whole world - people always love you and respect you, tata as much as you do love us, we respect you for your non-stop hard working, determination, your love and your care not only for South Africans but for all countries in the continent. Tata, may God bless and make you live longer and healthily every day of your life. And happy birthday to you Tata Madiba, may you see many more years to come.
Musawenkosi Maxwell Tenza
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Tate Mandela, I am very much privileged to be able to breathe the same air like You! Tate, you are an encouragement and hope to all
those forsaken by society. You give us hope and encouragement to be a better people. I thank the Almighty for giving me life in order to witness your messages of hope and encouragement to those who have lost hope. Everytime I feel discouraged you give me hope. May the Almighty give you all the strengh you may need to make this world a better place for all. We all LOVE you and wish a happy birthday full of LOVE, LAUGHTER AND POSITIVITY. God bless U and God bless AFRICA!! Happy birthday TATA!!
Kapache JF Victor
Windhoek, Namibia
Dear Madiba, may the Lord bless you with more strength. Happy birthday!
Anna Mulunga
Windhoek, Namibia
You are truly an inspiration to us all. May you continue to teach us how to live as human beings. Your gifts to the world have been unmatched. God Bless You and Happy Birthday!!!
Dr Denee Mwendwa
United States
Happy birthday Madiba. Thanks for all the contributions
you have made to the New South Africa.
The Steffens family
Springs, Gauteng, South Africa
May you be blessed on your birthday and for the years remaining to you. You have been an inspiration to us in so many ways and we thank God for your loving and forgiving example.
Margie and Brian Waddington
Port Alfred, South Africa
A great man and a great inspiration to not only South Africans, but the entire world. I hope your dreams for our country will be seen soon. Happy Birthday Madiba.
Alexis van der Merwe
London, UK (originally Cape Town)
Hartlik geluk, Madiba! U voorbeeld is ons inspirasie. Mag die Here u seën!
Sarel en Elizabeth Venter
Bloemfontein, South Africa
very happy b/day madiba. may god grant you many more and may you live to be 200 years old. you have been an inspiration to me and you still are. may God bless you richly. if you are ever in cape town please
pop around. my address is 79 princess margaret street, ruyterwacht, cape town. tel: 021 534-6604. cell: 082 806-7376 as it is my dream to meet you one day before i die.
Gavin Sam
Ruyterwacht, Cape Town, South Africa
Happy Birthday, Madiba. Thank God for your life and your sacrifice for all of us. You are an inspiration in sticking up for the truth.
Mariama
USA
Mr Mandela, I am a South African living in the UK and even this far away, people love you. Everyone I've spoken to has the utmost respect and admiration for the wonderful person you are and for what you have done for our country. My daughter turns 21 on July 18, and we both wish you a birthday to remember and hope that the coming year is everything you could ever wish it to be. Happy Birthday!
Vicki Venter
United Kingdom
Happy Birthday, to a man who shines with love. Thanks for what you have done for all of us who live in this
beautiful country ... you have allowed us all to grow, and become free.
Claire Regnard
Johannesburg, South Africa
Fifteen years ago, you represented everything that was bad to me, today you represent everything that is good. You did not change your beliefs, but allowed me to change mine. Thank you! May you have a blessed year.
Pieter du Plessis
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Happy Birthday Baba Mandela, from your daughter in Kenya. I love you and wish you long live and happiness. May the spirits and your ancestors keep you well and safe.
Wambui Maoga
Kenya
Wishing you a very happy birthday from my South African wife and I living in Sweden nowadays. May you live forever.
Mattias Hagström
Ostersund, Sweden
I am so happy that you are celebrating your 85th birthday with great health and energy. I know that you are God blessed. Congratulations oom Madiba - jy moet
mooi loop.
Arina de Wet (only 36!)
Pretoria, South Africa
The Board and Staff of Zululand Hospice wish you a joyous and blessed birthday on the 18th. Through the generosity of your Children's Fund, we have been able to embark on community and home based care projects for Aids sufferers and orphans in the surrounding rural areas. For this, and for your unsurpassed contribution to our country, we honour and salute you. You are a truly great man.
Zululand Hospice Association
Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Warm happy wishes to the Biggest inspiration in my generation! You are an awesome force of patience and perseverance :) God Bless!
Andrea Veneziano
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
I'm proud to come from the same country as you.
Heather Ewing
London, UK (but from South Africa)
How are you!! Nice to know it is your birthday this day. I love you and your
country South Africa. I will visit your country one day. I think I will enjoy it very much. Itsu mo genki ni shite kudasai (Japanese). Zhuni shengri kuaile (Chinese).
Xu Yingmei (Korean Chinese)
Naruto, Japan
Tata, you are a Godsend to us and I believe that you are an Angel. Happy 85th birthday and may you see many more!
Sinah Seeletsi
Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
Tata you are a great leader among the leaders in the world. Despite leaving the office, you have challanged us that one does not need an official capacity to improve the quality of life. To you tata, may God grant you to live longer and more quality years.
Dumisani Gqada
Gugulethu, Cape Town, South Africa
Happy Birthday Madiba. Thank you for the sacrifice you made to bring freedom to our land. Thank you for being such an example to all of us. May you enjoy your day and may you continue to bring joy to so many.
Greg
Schneemann
Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Thanks to the Almighty for giving us you. You are an inspiration. You have dedicated your life to freeing us and I am very thankful for that. I just wish I could join you when you celebrate your 85th birthday. Again I wish that you were turning 58 not 85. Thanks Tata Madiba. Ndaa, ndo livhuwa he tshi tshifhinga.
Naledzani Michael Netshikulwe
Pretoria, South Africa
You have lived 2 000 years in 85. I wish you a very merry birthday and many more years ahead.
Aji Ella
Otukpo, Nigeria
Best Wishes to you for your 85th Birthday.
Errol Guard and family
East London, South Africa
Happy birthday Dr Nelson Mandela. I wish you to see many more years to come. You are a capable leader. Have a wonderful day.
Mncane
Durban, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba, you make us proud to be South Africans!
The Dawson
family
Johannesburg, South Africa
Di ku qwenelela u suku olumnandi noluzele zintsikelelo usibonisile ukuba umntu gamnye unomsebenzi wakhe kubanye abantu, inkosi yoxolo ikusikelele tata.
Dumaninonke Spelman
Flagstaff, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Siyabulela Tata ngoseenzele kona: You have created a good foundation for our future. I write these words with great joy in my heart. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADIBA.
Zolani Gwiliza
Johannesburg, South Africa
You are a very special man and I think every person on this planet adores you - may you live many more years.
Anthea le Patourel
Cape Town, South Africa
I would like to say Happy birthday and Best wishes Tata. You are the world's greatest.
Mthuthuzeli Gulekana
Cape Town, South Africa
Tata I still remember in 1961 before my mother passed away in Sharpeville our house was a safe house, I used to eavesdrop when
comrades were strategising, your name was always mentioned during discussions. The wisdom that I gained from such discussions was Perseverence, Commitment, Accountability and Humbling yourself to the masses. Thank you for giving us the Wisdom that was bestowed to you by the Almighty. Thank you for being there for us when the going was tough. I can write till morning. Amade anginawo. Unkulunkulu Akubusise Tata. Happy Birthday Madiba!!!!!!!
Thandi Shongwe
Winchester Hills, Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy Birthday King ... You have been an inspiration to all. God Bless, peace.
Suzanne Harvin
Queens, New York, USA
Ngingowakwa Zulu e Nkandla. Ngangineminyaka eyishumi nambili ngiqala ukuzwa ngomuntu okuthiwa Ngu Nelson Mandela. Ngangingazi ukuthi ngiyokuze ngimbone ephila nami ngisaphila. Njengoba namuhla eseqede iminyaka engamashumi ayisishuyagalolunye nanhlanu (85), ngithi Halala Madiba, uwenzile umsebenzi wakho. uyisibonelo
esihle kithi sonke. Happy Birthday. Usuku lokuzalwa olunenjabulo kuwena.
Jabulani Kubheka
Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Dear Madiba. Have a wonderful birthday. We love you and lift you up in our thoughts and prayers. Your smile lights up the world and your sense of justice is an inspiration to us all. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Long life and happiness.
May Brown and family
Bedfordview, Johannesburg, South Africa
The World is blessed to have a person of your strong inspirational values promoting peace, justice, and humanitarianism. Happy Birthday and sincere wishes for many, many more.
Chris Karuhanga
Canada
Baie geluk met jou verjaarsdag Madiba, jy is 'n inspirasie vir mensdom.
Phil
Cape Town, South Africa
May Allah care for you and keep you with us. You are a great reference for young Africans.
Yusuf Badji
Dakar, Senegal
Happy birthday
Madiba!! Thank you for what you did for my country South Africa! You give the human race hope!
Jon
Richland, Washington, USA
Tata, Have a great one, may u c many more to come. U r an Angel, may God bless u. UKHULE UNGAKHOKHOBI MADIBA. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Sanele
Winchester Hills, Johannesburg, South Africa
Dear Madiba, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! To the most wonderful man. I wish you the most fantastic of all days for now and forever. You are truly an inspiration to me. Best Wishes.
Kim Roos
Johannesburg, South Africa
What can I say to a great leader, a great man under the sun, a man who achieved peace with his inner self, made peace with his enemies then spread peace to the world? Long live the hero!
Lucky
KaBokweni, South Africa
Dear Tata, Happy 85th birthday to you Tata and the nation wishes you many more. I am happy you made it possible for me to be able to send you
a happy birthday message. Enjoy your birthday!!!
Dumezulu
Cape Town, South Africa
Happy Birthday Madiba! You are my daily inspiration. You have made so many sacrifices for our country. Thank you. I hope we live up to your expectations! May we have you for many more years to come.
Melanie
Cape Town, South Africa
Siyebulela ngokusinakekela Tata, ukhule unga khokhobi, minenhle enokuvuya kuwe Tata ngosukulakho. Halala!
Smangele
Johannesburg, South Africa
It's almost impossible to be the most loved and respected man alive, but without fail - you have prevailed. Thank you for inspiring billions and myself. Don't worry about ageing. Your spirit will forever fragrance the world. I love you. Amandla - NGAWETHU SONKE.
Milisa Bongela
East London/Grahamstown, South Africa
Last year I spent 6 months living and studying in Durban. This past spring, I was a student teacher in a
2nd and 3rd grade class in Washington Heights, NYC. Our class did a study of culture, which culminated with a letter exchange to learners in Durban. In order for my students to be prepared to write their letters, I told them stories of my trip, showed them pictures, and read them books, including your Favorite African Folktales and a children's biography of your life. In her letter, one of my students (only 9 years old) wrote, "Have you heard of Nelson Mandela? He inspires me." You touch so many people, even so young and who know only pieces of all that you have done. Words cannot express my love and admiration for you. Thank you, Baba, for blessing our world community with your incredible spirit. Happy Birthday!
Sarah Massey
New York, USA
Dear Madiba, All the best for a very happy 85th! May there be many many more to come! If only more world leaders would follow your example, the world would be a better place for it. Happy Birthday!
Liz
Dunster
Mountain View, California, USA (ex South Africa)
Mr Mandela - Tata. A very happy birthday to you. You are one of the legends of all time, blessed with a gift few will enjoy or understand. May God give you many more years with us.
Kevin Lee Son
Cape Town, South Africa
Dear Sir, May you, the father of our nation, and the hope you have given that nation, be with us for many more years to come. Congratulations and happy many returns.
Jarry Beek
Durbanville, Cape Town, South Africa
May you have a blessed and happy birthday! I consider it an honour to mention that I have my birthday on the same day as such a great man!
Tony Stevens
Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy 85th Birthday Dibas, may you live to see many more.
Luzuko
Johannesburg, South Africa
To a man worthy of all the world's respect and honor, Congratulations on your 85th birthday. May
you have many more happy years.
Lauren Sing
Redmond, Washington, USA
Just wanted to wish Mr Mandela a very happy bday and thank him for everything that he has done for South Africa. I wish I could meet u in person when I get home. Anyways do have a very happy birthday and may god guide u and protect u to live a long and safe life.
Navi
USA
You are the most amazing person that this country has seen. South Africa will forever be grateful for the person you are and the things you've done. Have a fantastic birthday, and I hope you see many more. Love and respect.
Mark Holden
Johannesburg, South Africa
Dear Madiba, On behalf of the oppressed people of the New Sudan, I would like to send to you a very warm message of congratulations on your 85th birthday. May your spirit of love, peace and reconciliation continue to live and triumph in our lives for ever and ever. Amen! May God Almighty bless you with
sound and energetic health as we continue to learn more from your 85 years of wisdom and knowledge on this earth. With my best wishes to you, Nelson Mandela!
Walter Lodwa
Oslo, Norway
Thank you for all your inspiration. You are truly a leader by example.
Craig Barker
Cape Town, South Africa
Having now reached the peak of the mountain it is your turn to enjoy the view of all the upturned grateful smiling faces - Happy Birthday Madiba.
Geoff Holloway
Cape Town, South Africa
Happy Birthday qhawe lama qhawe, I wish we had more like you. You are an inspiration, an icon to the millions all over the world. May God Bless you on this wonderful day.
Muzi Manyosi
Gauteng, South Africa
Mag die Vrede en Liefde wat u uitstraal uself beskore wees in die jaar wat kom.
Noeline van der Walt
Johannesburg, South Africa
Madiba you still inspire a country, a
continent, a planet. Your memory will live on in our hearts forever. May we follow your example to strive for a world filled with forgiveness and love. Happy birthday Oupa!
Wiesner Vos
Oxford, England
Happy birthday Tata, your continued exemplary leadership and attitude is an inspiration to me and hopefully to other youths in Africa and the world over. Happy Birthday and I love you lots.
Nhlanhla Nkomo
Johannesburg, South Africa
Halala Dibelihle, sikunqwenelela imini emmandi. uThixo aze akwandisele insuku zakho emhlabeni. Siyabulela ngokuzinikela kwakho esizweni sethu. With lots of love.
Tobeka Mabija
Morningside, Durban, South Africa
Wish we could see through you tata. The world would certainly be a better place for us all. Wish you many more happy birthdays.
Max Vulindlela
Norkem Park South Africa
I wish the old man a very happy birthday and thank him for all his
wonderful contributions to make this world a peaceful place for all.
Xolani
Pretoria, South Africa
Madiba - you are the world's inspiration. We love you and may you have many more birthdays to come. Happy Birthday Madiba and God Bless you.
Michael Garzouzie
Johannesburg, South Africa
Many happy returns on your birthday. May God bless you on this wonderful day.
Gillian Lewis
Roodepoort, Gauteng, South Africa
Mr President happy birthday! How does one single out one good thing as a wish for one with a stature like yours? We are truly lucky to have among us someone like you.
Tshepo Maphala
Leuven, Belgium
Mag u goeie gesondheid geniet en u verjaarsdag geniet. Seeninge.
Marthinus Jordaan en familie
Bloemfontein (vroeer van Stutterheim), South Africa
Madiba, Congratulations! Thank you for your example to all of us. You are a great South
African and a great human being.
Gerhard Kemp
Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Happy Birthday Tata you are an inspiration to Young and Old. God Bless You. xxx
Shamie
Cape Town, South Africa
Cde Madiba, If it was not the sound of your name, then its reverberation amongst the people. How then could I not persuade others, my grandparents, my mother, uncles, sisters, friends, fellow students through SASCO and the ANCYL. Those who've passed must expect a launch of a branch of the ANC beyond this planet. Advocacy for good governance and good order beyond this world. I and many of my peers are especially priviledged to have witnessed and experienced the making of a martyr, GREATNESS and THE ULTIMATE SYMBOL OF GOOD. Happy to still have you, Mr President, as President Mbeki normally addresses you.
Mzetywa Ngwenya
Ledig Village, Pilanesberg, South Africa
Happy birthday Tata. Thank you for being an
inspiration to us all. Long live Tata Mandela Long Live.
Gerard and Sandy
Durban, South Africa
happy happy, mr president.
Kishor Vala and family
Worcester, Western Cape, South Africa
Happy Birthday Mr Mandela! I met you last year when you visited Oxford and it's a day I'll never forget! You make me proud to be a South African. Have a wonderful day!
Jenny Whitley
Oxford, UK
Halala osukwini lakho lokuzalwa, uSomandla akubusise akugcine, ume njalo qhawe lamaqhawe, umhlaba udinga abantu abaningi abafana nawe, abantu abanothando, nozwelo kanye nenhlakanipho efana neyakho Baba. Baba uyisibani esiletha ukukhanya,ithemba, kanye nothando lapho kukhona inzondo namagqubu kanye nempi. Impilo ende qhawe lamaqhawe. Ngiyabonga.
Shenge Buthelezi
East Lansing, Michigan, US
Thank you for the example you have given the world, an example of compassion and tolerance. The world is
a better place because of you. Many more Birthdays!!!
Helen O'Neil
United States
Dear Mr Mandela, Thank you for giving our nation a REAL HERO. God Bless You Richly. We all want to aspire to be like you, and have an example to follow. Happy Birthday.
Evelyn Naidoo
Killarney, Johannesburg
Dear Madiba. Your dream of a multicultural South Africa that will be an example to the world is the vision of our school. A huge photograph of you handing over the rugby world cup to Francois Pienaar has a special place in our school hall. Thank you for what you have done for our country. Have a great year and many more!
Mafikeng High School students and staff
Mafikeng, South Africa
You are the same age as our great Granny who passed away this year. We wish you a long and healthy life to enjoy many more birthdays with us. We love you.
Yastira and Micara Singh (Age 11 and 7)
Durban, South
Africa
Madiba thank you for bringing us where we are today. God has blessed us with a human being that has made this beautiful country of ours a home for all South Africans. May God bless you and enjoy your 85 birthday. Love and Blessings.
Jacobs and Cloete families
Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
Happy Birthday Father of our nation, may God bless u and may u experience many more. Be sure we will celebrate in Nababeep.
Manuel
Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy birthday Tata, may God Bless U.
Monica Nonkasana
Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa
You aspired to be like mother Teresa, you are that and more, a living Legend. Your humility and generosity of spirit, your love for life and your enthusiasm are encouraging to all humanity. May this, your special day, be filled with everything that you would wish yourself, have a beautiful day. Lots of love and best
wishes.
Olivia, Alex, Pia and Justin Denny
Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy Birthday Mr Mandela. I was born and raised in South Africa. I witnessed the hardship people of colour went through in South Africa. You changed all that and for that we South Africans thank you. You truly are a great man and God bless you. You are the father of the RAINBOW NATION ... Happy birthday. I Salute you.
Keegan
Alaska, USA
It is a dream that I write a message to you that you may read. God's gift of you and Bishop Tutu to my homeland gives me faith in the extraordinary power of prayer and the love of our mighty God. You have given us a glimpse of the perfect justice and love that we have been promised and that I long for in His future kingdom, where the first will be last and the last will be first. I long one day to meet you there. May God bless you mightily on your birthday. With inexpressible love.
Adrienne Willox
New York,
USA
Leaders who are not like you need to come to your school ... after their graduation everyone will notice their presence. Happy Birthday, keep fit and God Bless.
Valentine
Mponda, Malawi
Thank you Madiba for your inspiration and the birth of a rainbow nation. After a few years in France, I have learned to appreciate the country where my heart lies (no need to mention it's South Africa) even more! And I'll be back soon. Many warm wishes and blessings for a Happy 85th Birthday. Joyeux Anniversaire and Sala kahle!
Julie Rowbotham
Lyon, France
Sir, We have a great deal to thank you for. The great love, forbearance and generosity you have shown gives us hope for mankind. God bless you on your birthday and may you be spared in good health for many more.
Quinten King
England
Congratulations, and may God bless you. Thank you for being the person you
are.
Cathy
Pretoria
Happy birthday to you Madiba. And thank you very much for what you are doing for the African continent.
Emmanuel Mimfele
Yaounde, Cameroon
Happy birthday Tata, I'm a singer/vocalist, I have submitted my request to sing at your birthday. I will be more than pleased to sing for the man of honour and it will also be my band's pleasure to gather on stage and say happy birthday to Tata in a way I know best. I will be greatful to be given this honour and I will give my best.
Nina
Durban, South Africa
Dear President Mandela. Your life is an inspiration to all South Africans. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and love with us and for giving us focus. This world is a better place because of you. Happy Birthday! Much love.
Julie, Lionel, Lara (10), Ella (6) and Noah (4) De Nicola
Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
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The Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book:
