Dear Mr Mandela ...
Welcome to the official Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book, page 11
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.
Happy Birthday Tata. You are a true African icon. May God watch over you on your birthday and everyday in the same loving manner that you worked your Madiba Magic for all South Africans.
Jomo Sono
Johannesburg, South Africa
Baba Nelson Mandela, thina abakhubazekile kuyo yonke iNingizimu Africa, sithi sikufisela impilo enhle nende, uNkulunkulu wakho akudalela yona, weluse izwe lonke lase Ningizimu Africa, thina bakhubazekile siyakuthanda, soba nawe kuze kube
sezinsukwini zokuphila kwakho.
Gugu Zulu
Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Madiba, Thank you for treating gay people as equals and making our constitution fair for all. Happy Birthday...
Lee
Durban, South Africa
happy birthday madiba, you inspire goodwill and love in me, the nation and the world!
Cathy Milner
Klapmuts, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela, A special wish goes out to you on this special day. May God spare you many more healthy and happy years.
Carmen de Koker
Cape Town, South Africa
Happy birthday Tata, may the Lord give you many more years because the whole world needs you, and thank u for everything you've done for South Africa in order for it to be this beautiful land. Enjoy your day Tata, God bless you.
Simthembile Ngono
Cape Town, South Africa
Madiba! throughout your life, you have given voice to those who could
not speak. even now, you continue to do so, championing the cause of those who are oppressed. may god continue to grant you long life. happy birthday baba.
Cameron MacKenzie
Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa
O gole gole Tata. Happy birthday my hero, may you see many more years to come. You have made lots of changes to our lives in South Africa. God Bless You. It is also my birthday on the 18th, I will be turning 10 years of age.
Koketso
South Africa
you are the man madiba, you have changed so many lives. that is the reason I say "long live madiba, long live tata".
Girly Buke
Tembisa, Gauteng, South Africa
Madiba, O gole o gogobe! O re tliseditse phetogo maphelong a rena. O kare Modimo a ka go okeletsa matsatsi. Ipsine ka letsatsi la gago la matswalo!
Polly Molepo
Ga-Molepo, Polokwane, South Africa
Kama ulivyopigania usawa na haki kwa binadamu aishiye hapa
duniani, mungu akujalie maisha mema na marefu zaidi. Atendaye mema hulipwa wema pia. (I decided to write in swahili because his views reflect all human beings. God bless you.)
Arnold Rweyemamu
USA
Ukhule ukhokhobe tatomkhulu. And may the Good Lord bless you abundantly.
Zoleka
Boksburg, Gauteng, South Africa
It is a perfect time for you to enjoy all the pleasant and memorable moments of your lifetime. To most of the people, u are a light or a blessing in disguise.
"O GOLE GOLE,
MASEGO PHOLO
O GOLE GOLE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU TATAMKHULU."
Lucy Masilo
Mothotlung/Brits, South Africa
Happy Birthday Madiba. You have been an inspiration to us all.
Viren and Natasha
Gauteng, South Africa
Wishing you, Madiba, a Very Happy Birthday, and many prosperous years to come. May god bless you.
Vinesh, Charmaine, Shiona, Sheldon (Proud to be South
African)
Shallcross, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Congratulations and may you have a happy and peaceful birthday. Your humility and compassion are a lesson to us all.
The Wright family
Fellside, Johannesburg, South Africa
I grew up during the apartheid era in South Africa, my parents taught me the correct values in life, but Mandela you have taught me more. Have a wonderful day and God Bless you.
Michelle Cilliers
Parow, Cape Town, South Africa
Tata uMadiba, uyindoda emadodeni, isisibonelo eluntwini lonke. Ngathi uQamatha angakugcina. Happy birthday.
Luleka Mtongana
Johannesburg, South Africa
happy 85th birthday tata!!! no terms can describe the gratitude we the youth of 2day feel. u and other beloved comrades have pioneered our freedom and peace we enjoy 2day. may u have many more birthdays so that we can make u prouder as a father of the nation. we
love u.
Mzwandile Nokwindla
Johannesburg, South Africa
South Africa is what it is now because of you. Happy birthday and may you see many more.
Metse Manyane
Pretoria, South Africa
May your day be a special day and may all your wishes come true.
Cecil Kroucamp
Pretoria, South Africa
Baie geluk Madiba; ons eer jou, God seën jou.
Gerrit en Ans
Potchefstroom, Free State, South Africa
The more I look at you Tata the more I ask God to keep you for many more years. You are so kind, sweet and loving. Happy Birthday, o hole o kgokgobe o lekane le Tlou.
Lebohang Makhaoli
Diepkloof, Gauteng, South Africa
Oh! What a gift has God given to us. You are the greatest Madiba. Wishing you many more years ahead. Happy Birthday Tata mkhulu we love you.
Thabiso Tlhodi
Gauteng, South Africa
Dad, this birthday gives me the
opportunity
to tell you something I've neglected to tell you.
Life has not always been fair to you
you have had to weather
some rough storms along the years.
It is the way you have survived those storms
and made such a great example
to all those around you
that makes me so proud to say,
That's my Dad
I hope you realise on this special day
just how much you mean to all of us.
Happy Birthday
love you.
Cathy Tebogo Maila
Melrose North, Johannesburg, South Africa
For quite a while I contemplated what kind of birthday wish would befit a hero among men and the only thought that crossed my mind was to tell you that you are an amazingly wonderful person who is loved by millions and millions of people and one of my heros. Take care. Happy birthday, have a wonderful day.
Varun Singh
Lenasia, Johannesburg, South Africa
Sweet Madiba, you're the best!
Enjoy your
birthday and a rest.
Thank you for your inspiration,
for a world and for a nation ...
Jeanne Nthabiseng Wissing
Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa
Happy Birthday, May you still SHINE for many years to come. Hoop u het 'n wonderlike dag.
Pieter Oosthuizen
Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa
Dumela Madiba, I just want to wish you a happy birthday, May God save you for our children, we want them to know you, not to read about you. God bless you. happy birthday.
Mmannoi Johanna Mosia
Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Baie geluk met u verjaarsdag! Baie seën en liefde vir u en u familie! Dankie vir al die goeie werk wat u doen - u is voorwaar 'n inspirasie! Geniet die dag baie!
Cecilia and Christoff Pretorius
Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa
Happy birthday, may God bless you and your family. You represent a lot for us youth: the hope! Happy
birthday Mr President, take care of yourself we still need you!
Priso Desiree Angele
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Happy birthday Tata, may you see many many more!
Kelebone Thokoa
Protea Glen, Gauteng, South Africa
Mag U geseend wees op U verjaardag en alle dae wat nog vir U voorle. Groete.
David McKelly
Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Happy 85th. May your future be better than you could ever dream of.
Thank you for what you have done and what you are still doing for South Africa and for us as residents.
Leon le Roux
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Our hearty congratulations on reaching your 85th birthday, what a momentous occasion. Your leadership and vision have been (and still are) such a mainstay for this country and its people, that we hope and pray you will be around for another 85 years.
All the very best for your birthday,
Herman Mashaba
Pretoria, South Africa
Wishing Madiba, the greatest role model ever, the very best for his 85th birthday. Just being offered this opportunity brings great warmth to me - the warmth that he has been able to bring to the hearts of those all over the world. May God bless!
André Petersen
EThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Just want to wish you the very best for your birthday and may you have many, many more fruitful years with us. You are an incredible inspiration to us all - thank you for all that you have done for one and all. There is no doubt that you are a great soul. Viva Madiba!
S. Naicker
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Mr Mandela, Dada, you are an
inspiration to us all. You give us, our children and grandchildren hope for our future. May God strengthen you daily. God bless you abundantly. Enjoy your birthday.
Nola Ogle and family
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
uTata onjengawe akekho. Mayande iminyaka yakho ukwenzela into yokuba ufezekise yonke iminqweno yakho nabantu bakho. Viva Mandela, viva. Long live Mandela, long live.
Mbulelo Hobo
Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
Happy birthday tata, ha hona ya tswanang le wena. We are proud South Africans today and will always be. God bless.
Sebolelo Nteke
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Many happy returns to a wonderful, charismatic and brave man.
Wayne Thornton
United Kingdom ex South Africa
Mazel tov for your 85th birthday. I wish you'll be there for your 120th birthday. There are no words to express
my admiration for you. God bless you and your family!
Patrick Girard
France
Happy 85th birthday Madiba! You will always be my inspiration and motivator. May the good Lord continue to use you to bless people around the world.
Dion Pillay
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Veels geluk met u 85 kringe om die son. Mag u nog vir ons vir baie jare gespaar bly sodat u nog meer mense se harte kan aanraak en gesindhede verander. uNkulunkulu abe nawe!
Etienne and Louise Dorfling
Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa
Happy Birthday Tata, You are a rock to this nation. Today, I am proud to say I'm a South African because of you. I love you Madiba, have the happiest ever birthday! You're getting younger every day.
Ntombizanele Vinkhumbo
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Wishing you peace and happiness. Remain the beautiful
peace icon.
Danielle Smith
Mitchell's Plain, Western Cape, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba, Zondwa, Ngqolomsila ukhule ungakhokhobi. Sine thamsanqa, sazalelwa inkokheli, umzali, uTata, isinyanya. Phila nguna phakade Madiba.
Luleka Simon
Westbank, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Happy birthday to you Mr Mandela. See more years in our lifetime
Regards.
Sello Mokone
Sebokeng, Gauteng, South Africa
To you - President Mandela. May the Almighty Allah shower His choicest blessing upon you and your most loved ones. May He grant you eternal peace and happiness. Happy birthday. Many happy returns. Inshallah, Amen.
Goolam Hoosen Manack
Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa
May this be a day of happiness and celebration to you and all the great agents of peace in our beloved country.
David
Ramasia
Alberton
Happy birthday tata Madiba. Through your selflessness and sacrificing ability you have influenced and changed minds and people's lives. May you see many many more years.
Sonwabile Ngxiza
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Mini emnandi kuwe tata Madiba. Ndiku nqwenelela eminye iminyaka ezayo. Wanga uThixo anganawe ,ukhule unga khokhobi. Happy birthday Tata.
Ayanda Jacobs
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
The Great One. Once in the history of a people, one man stands tallest with courage, integrity and moral authority. You are the Iroko Tree from whose broad branches the emerging new world moral order draws energy and inspiration. May you live another 85 years.
Dan Okereke
Abuja, Nigeria
May God bless you with another 85 years, as he knows we surely need you.
Karine and
Yvette
Paulshof, Gauteng, South Africa
Dear Madiba, you came, you saw, you conquered after what you went through. You will never be forgotten. You have done it all. CONGRATULATIONS
Valentine Akinlosotu
Dallas, Texas, USA
Nelson, you're the father of all Africans no matter what. You did struggle for all of us and you are still struggling. May lord bless and long live our father ... thanks
Michael Jawk
USA
Dear Honorable Mr Mandela, At this time of our world with many conflicts, I think it is important to reflect on the way you made all your life to change South Africa for freedom and democracy.
Now as I am working very hard to change my home country, Congo-Kinshasa (DRC), for true democracy, for lasting peace, and a State under law, as a Democrat and presidential candidate for free and fair presidential elections of Congo-Kinshasa, for this spirit of
freedom of our peoples of South Africa and Congo-Kinshasa, I come today to congratulate you on your 85th birthday. May God bless you and all your family. All my best wishes and Happy Birthday to you!
John Bosco Nkumunue
Germany
Your continued existence is a reminder of how good human beings can be if they so find it in themselves to dig deeper into their reserves of goodwill. Keep reminding us!
Martin Marerwa
Leeds, UK
I wish you only the very best of everything...you don't know me but I know you. I will always admire and respect you ...forever...and your birthday is a very special day...because that was the day that YOU were born Madiba. May we all learn from you and go forward hand in hand!
With love,
Noeline De Vos
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Ndi vha tamela mashudu manzhi kha maduvha a vho a mabebo. Zwe vha ri itela zwone ndi
zwihulusa na zwine vha khou di dovha vha zwiita ndi zwihulusa. Mashudu a vhudi manzhi manzhi a duvha lavho la mabebo.
Humbulani Tshikalange
Tshiawelo, Gauteng, Soweto
Congrats Madiba, thanks for all your extraordinary contributions to the well-being of South Africa. I wish you the best for your birthday.
Himesh Kanjee
Actonville, Gauteng, South Africa
Dearest Madiba. May the rainbows and stars of peace and prosperity always be with you. May all the magic you shower upon us all so unselfishly and generously, be returned to you for eternity. Your enduring compassion and spirit lights up our lives like no other. Happy, happy to you! Viva!
Jason Aarons and Greg Devereux
Bedfordview, Gauteng, South Africa
Happy birthday to you tata Madiba. And many more returns, hope you live to be over 100 years. I love you, enjoy your day tata, viva!
Diana
Afrikaner
Francistown, Botswana
Congratulations on your 85th birthday! Have a superb day!
Diana Martins
Bryanston, Gauteng, South Africa
Dear Sir, God bless you on your 85th birthday. May you have many many more birthdays. Thank you for all you have done for all of South Africa's people. And again, God bless you.
Ken and Monica MacKay
Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Happy birthday, Grampa!
Kirsty
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela. The world would be a better place if there were more of you, we can all learn something from your great compassion and understanding. I would only ask that you encourage the people to support our four-legged friends as you do the children. They bring us so much joy. Have a great day and may you have many more wonderful years ahead of you.
Norman
Bassett
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
A very happy birthday, Madiba! May your day be as special as your life has been. You are an inspiration to all us X-Generationers!
Kirsten Wortmann
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
We would like to wish a man of wisdom, courage and determination a very happy 85th birthday. You are our role model and an inspiration to the nation.
The Mahali family
Heathfield, Western Cape, South Africa
My wife and I want to wish Ntate Madiba a very happy birthday. He makes us feel proudly South African. May we be given a few more centuries with him.
Tebogo and Sibongile Selamolela
Spruitview, Gauteng, South Africa
Happy birthday Tata, you are the nation's inspiration, may you have many more to come.
Kuki Ndlela
Germiston, Gauteng, South Africa
Dear
Madiba, thank you for everything you've done for South Africa. You are an inspiration to each and every one of us. Wishing you a happy birthday and many more!
Richard Fornefeld
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
We in South Africa have been blessed by being 'given' the most wonderful human being to have ever lived. God bless and may we be blessed to have you with us for many more years to come. Love
Shamima Hamid and family
Robertsham, Gauteng, South Africa
Just want to wish one of the icons I would never forget for the rest of my life a happy birthday and may he see many more years to come through the grace of God.
Simon Nkontlha
Sunnyside, Gauteng, South Africa
Happy Birthday Madiba, may God bless you and your family.
Eddie,Evonne,Melissa and Je'mille du Toit
Kuilsriver, South Africa
Have a fantastic day and
may God give you more years to come. Happy birthday, Tata!
Brenda Moeng
Mafikeng, North West, South Africa
Words cannot describe who Madiba is and was. He is just outstanding in character, discipline and otherwise. God bless Tata as he receives Jesus in his life.
Kedibone Phago
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Happy birthday. You are a great man in Africa. After what you have gone through for this country one finds it uncommon for African leaders to step down and give others a chance. Hope other African leaders can follow in your footsteps.
Goodman Chauke
Braamfontein, Gauteng, South Africa
Dear Madiba. Happy birthday Tata! May God bless you and keep you with us for many, many more. You are a living Saint and my hero.
Wade
Boksburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Long live Mr Madiba. You are an angel of
God.
Sipho Nkwinika
Yeoville, Gauteng, South Africa
Happy birthday, Madiba. Hope you see many more, because it is an opportunity that South Africa has a statesman with your charisma and makes me proud to be a South African. You are an inspiration to me and every other South African to actually build this country into the democracy we want it to be. Happy birthday.
Kevin Lee
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Honourable Madiba. Happy birthday Madiba. If all political leaders were like you, no doubt that this face of earth would be harmonious and peaceful. You are a true leader, you inspire young and old. God bless.
Sifundo Mzobe
Newlands West, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Madiba, best wishes to you, you have touched so many people around the world with your humanity, wisdom and kindness. You are able to make me want to laugh and cry at the same time when
I hear you speak. Have a great bash!
Mark Nagle
Ireland
I just want to wish you a happy day Tata. May you enjoy it and may you live many more years, we as young adults look up to you. I love you.
Luleka
Khayelitsha, Western Cape, South Africa
You showed South Africans democracy. You still advocate democracy and you live in our own democratic country. Happy birthday, Madiba.
Lufuno Tayron Tshitaudzi
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
God bless you Madiba! You may not have become the heavyweight boxing champion of the world, but YOU TRULY ARE THE GREATEST!
Love and admiration.
Wayne Bailey
London, UK
Dear father of all. You are really a blessing to all of the people of the world. All the ethnic groups in the world benefitted and still benefit from your talents. You shaped the world and you are still shaping it.
You have set the pace and the model for all of us to follow. Without you, the oppression, the aggression, the prejudice, the hatred, etc. would have continued with higher proportion. Your courage is our power, your light is our eyes, your honesty is our goal. We stand by you and whatever you stand for. Any word from your mouth is divine. Two moons would never appear on the sky at the same time. You are the star of this century and your name will continue to vibrate till infinity. Anybody you abuse must get rebuke from us. Anybody you praise receives praise from us. May you continue to live with good health in order to serve humanity more. Happy birthday father, many happy returns.
Prince (Babalawo)Adigun Olosun
Germany
Happy birthday Tata, hope you will have a wonderful and lovely day on Friday. May there be more to come, will always pray God to keep you not only for South Africa but for the whole world, we need you Madiba and love you very
much!
Maria Zodwa Mabena
Bronkhorstspruit, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Oh Tata! We thank God very much for having you as our hero and role model. You have paved so many South African roads fighting for our freedom. We pray to our Lord to bless your life and give you good health so that you can be the oldest person in the world. We love you Tata. Happy birthday!
Sandra Walker and family
Tladi, Gauteng, South Africa
Faf'olude lwakwa Madiba! Tat'u Mandela! Akwabe uThixo angakukhusela. Ukhule ungakhokhobi. Imithandazo yam kukuba uyibone imisebenzi yakho kuthi lutsha. Indlela eya enkululekweni inde yaye isaqhuba. The struggle for better life, against HIV-Aids, poverty alleviation, crime and unemployment continues. You've been and are still on the forefront. May God bleass you with many more years.
Siviwe Bangani
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Hi
Madiba, baie geluk met jou 85 verjaarsdag, mag die Here jou ryklik seen en nog baie jare spaar. Dit is vir my n voorreg om vir jou die verjaarsdag boodskap te stuur. Ek wil net baie dankie se vir alles wat jy vir ons land gedoen het en nog gaan doen. Viva Madiba, you are truly a world icon. Regards.
Derick Briel.
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
I was once asked if I knew any great men and I said "no, but I know of two great men. One is Mahatma and the other is Madiba. May you Madiba, a man even the Mahatma would be proud of, have a wonderful 85th birthday. May you see many more wonderful years.
Sagran Naicker
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
You are an inspiration to our beautiful country who has brought so much hope and glory. I wish I could meet you some day. You are a great man, Mr President. Happy birthday, and may you live to be 100 years.
Krish
Gounden
Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Happy birthday. May you have many more fruitful years. May your days ahead be filled with sunshine and happy moments. Long Live Madiba!
Sharifa Martin
Crosby, Gauteng, South Africa
Thank you Tata. As a child I heard you were a prisoner. Your Rivonia trial became a protest. Later history taught me you were a Prince.
On the island you were prominent. To millions of blacks you were a prophet. On your release you wished us prosperity. Reconciliation is what you preached. Through the struggle you became president. Your inauguration was prestigious. As an author your pen is prolific. You chose to be a premier pensioner. You continue to be our principal.
A globe trotter who champions projects. You make all South Africans proud. This week you rushed to Paris to save humanity from perishing. Arrow, arrow shoot away prostate. Arrow, please shoot away
ulcer.
Arrow, kindly shoot away cancer. May God give you more custard. May God postpone your casket. More coffee. No coffin.
You are Gr8
Born on 18
The year 1918
Now you are 85
Your son
Xam
T.M. Mojapelo
Lebowakgomo, Limpopo, South Africa
Hey Madiba, Big Ups! May the Lord bless you and give you more life with your wife! Happy birthday, Madiba!
Martha Qhubu
Gauteng, South Africa
Happy birthday Tata, your life means a lot to all of us as South Africans. I am a proud South African because of you. I wish you all the best and many more years to come. May God bless you.
Paulina Malatji
Diepsloot, Gauteng, South Africa
Although thousands of people have not met you personally, the same thousands have felt your touch of humility, strength and forgiveness. Happy birthday, Tata.
Mzwandile Vikisi
Gauteng, South
Africa
Congratulations on your birthday! We wish you a year filled with love, good health and lots of blessings.
Matty and Michelle Downing
Kuils River, Western Cape, South Africa
Mr Mandela, I would like to wish you God's greatest blessings, may all your dreams that you still have be granted. You have certainly touched my life.
Abigail du Sart
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Baie geluk met u 85ste verjaardag, Madiba. Mag ons Hemelse Vader jou ryklik seën gedurende hierdie nuwe lewensjaar.
Danie en Onie Marais
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Yem Yem, Sopitsho, Ngqol'omsila, Madiba, Tata. Sonwaba nawe ngomhla wakho ngenxa yothando nenyani, nentobeko nonyamezelo sizakuzifunda ezinyaweni zakho sikulandele nathi solulelwe imihla.
Libhongo
Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South
Africa
Vho-Mandela kha vha lalame vha hule vhange ndou. Happy birthday.
Walter Mudau
Ngudza, Limpopo, South Africa
To the Great Man of all times, I say happy birthday Tata Madiba. Xikwembu a xi ku hlayisi u vona man'wanyana malembe.
Sunnyboy Masangu
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
God bless your soul. You are one of the greatest leaders that ever lived. A hope to the hopeless; a comfort to those in pain and a strength to the weak. God bless your soul.
Efoe Livingstone
Chelmsford, Essex
Mag die Skepper u oorvloedig seen. U is 'n inspirasie vir ons almal.
Susan Bekker
Germiston, Gauteng, South Africa
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The Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book:
