Dear Mr Mandela ...
Welcome to the official Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book, page 14
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, Madiba. Thanx for everything you have done for the country. May God bless us even more by giving you many more years!
Josiah Thugwane
Mpumalanga, South Africa
Have a great birthday, Madiba, and thank you for all your efforts in making a difference to our lives.
Staff from Thandi Farm
Western Cape, South Africa
Happy birthday, Madiba. May the years to come be blessed with joy and happiness.
Colonel Johan Wahl
Bloemfontein, South Africa
Dear
Madiba. I am British and am currently living in South Africa. I wrote to you many years ago when I was 10 years old when i found out that you were in prison. I am now 28 years old and am pleased to be writing to you in such more prosperous circumstances to say the least! I wish to send my biggest love to you on your 85th birthday! Have a wonderful day as you certainly deserve to sit back and enjoy this occasion with your loved ones and friends. You have achieved too much to mention in this short space provided but I wish you many happy years to come and simple would like to say thank you for all you have done and continue to do. God bless.
Joanna Cook
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Best wishes for a wonderful man. Thank you for your wonderful inspiration.
Des Byrne
Dublin, Ireland
Happy birthday, Madiba! I wish you good health for the future. Thank you for what you have done
for us and for our country!
Ellaine Cater
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Happy birthday to one of the greatest human beings of our times.
Harald & Arlene Schmadtke
Berlin, Germany
Happy birthday to you, sir. I wish the Almighty gives you more years to live, so that many in the world can benefit from your wisdom. You are a man of such charisma, stature, humbleness, humility, dignity. You are the shining icon of the world.
Abby Ben Zikhali
Ontario,Canada
Happy birthday, Madiba! I had the honour of visiting your country in June 1999. Your spirit defined the vibrancy that surrounded me then, and I think of it and try to live by it everyday now. What a true leader it must take to inspire from so far away. Thank you for all that you've given of yourself for this world...and may we all give back just a little in celebration of your day. Happy
birthday.
Christopher HEMSTEAD
Albany, New York, USA
You are a beacon of inspiration and hope for all of us who believe in the new South Africa. Happy birthday!
Kevin Bellis
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba, May the Lord God bless you on this day, may your smile always be gay and may your steps never falter on the way!
Jeanette Geldenhuys
Cradock, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Happy birthday to you, Madiba. Happy life.
Esau Kanyenda
Russia
Happy birthday daddy. You have a message for world leaders. Please, tell them to emulate your qualities. My next birthday message to you will be when you turn 95.
ADEH, Ignatius
Germany
Happy birthday Rrakgolo, you are the pillar of our democracy. May God bless you and enjoy this day.
Tiese
Banda
Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa
Tata uThixo abe nawe, namhlanje ndiyi-graduate ngenxa yakho. You campaigned for funds while I was at oNgoye. We are blessed to have an honourable man like you. Happy birthday! Mini emnandi.
Khosi Mokoatle
Leondale, Gauteng, South Africa
Rre Mandela, thank you for making South Africa such a wonderful place to live in. I wish you God's richest blessing on your birthday.
Peace Tseleng Kgomo
Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela. Happy birthday! May this day and the rest of your life be blessed and filled with love, laughter and good health. I am glad to be able to say that I am a citizen of South Africa. A large part of the pride with which I can say this is because of you. You are truly an example to all humankind - forgiving, humble, proud, caring, the list goes on and on. May God bless you.
With
love.
Theo and Tasja Malan
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
I'm proud to be South African and to have had a great leader like you. If I could only be half the person you are, I'd be so blessed. Hope you have a very happy birthday and I pray that you are still going to be around for many many more years to come. Our leaders need your guidance, love, understanding and wisdom. I love you.
Eunice Edwards
Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Dear Madiba, thank you for turning this wonderful country into a veritable source of inspiration for others around the world - I am truly proud to be a South African. Happy birthday and wishing you many more!
Gena Orfali
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
It is a privilege to have the opportunity to wish you a very happy birthday, and my prayer is that you enjoy many more.
Doreen
Stegmann
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Happy birthday Baba Madiba. You are one of a kind to all people of the world. God bless you with many more years to live.
Mashishini Sibeko
Mangaung, Free State, South Africa
Have a great and beautiful day. God bless. Happy 85th, Madiba.
Beverley Moodley
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
You made SA a better place. You are an inspiration to all. We love you and we are proud of you. Have a wonderful day.
Thelma Malebe
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
To the greatest man that ever walked the earth, a blazing torch that brings light where there is darkness. Happy birthday, Mandela.
Shubi Hlabioa
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
You are our leader, our inspiration and our shining star. Your life has given us
life and we wish you a very happy birthday.
Staff and Learners Headstart High School
Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
Dearest Mr Mandela. You are my hero. You are the perfect example of how forgiving, understanding, patient, wise and humble African culture REALLY is. You saved my beautiful country and well, I just LOVE you for who you are and what you have done for my country and our future. I hope that you have a wonderful 85th birthday, while the whole world celebrates the day you were born.
Your FAN
Nicola Lee Rushin
Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa
We were successfully kept apart by the National Government. Thank you Madiba, for breaking that barrier with your 'Long Walk to Freedom'. God bless you.
Steve Du Toit
Middelburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa
I wish you a happy 85th birthday. May God pour His blessing on your and your
generations. Mr former president you taught us how to fight for our rights, and how to forgive and reconcile. I would like to thank you for making us proud South Africans, because our father taught us that being employed was the way to go. But now, our mindset has been changed, we are thinking of establishing our own businesses. And I'm sure with your support and motivation we can make it. Enjoy your birthday, I wish you all the best.
Nonhlanhla Nkosi
Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Dear Madiba, a very happy birthday from the Management and Staff of the Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital in Pretoria. May the year ahead bring you only joy! Our hospital will be 100 years old next year - please feel free to visit us any time - it will be an honour to share our celebration with you.
Warm regards,
Riëtte van der Merwe and the Management and Staff
ZUID-AFRIKAANS Hospital
Pretoria, Gauteng, South
Africa
Happy birthday to the man who has been an inspiration to the world. I pray that God fulfills every dream that you harbour in that intriguing mind. Keep smiling, it is your greatest gift.
Mohamed Bobat
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Hello. Happy birthday for Friday. I turn 15 on the same day as you turn 85. I hope we both have a great day.
Tyrone Sterne
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
How can one feel anything else than love and admiration for this great son of Africa. Happy birthday Madiba!
Nicolene Van Zijl
Graaff Reinet, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Mr Mandela, my Hero, my Grandfather, my other self, my All. Happy birthday. Thank you for being in my life. I love you and admire you and may God spare you for all South Africans for many more years. Fond good wishes on your birthday and every
day.
Sue Straub
Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa
Dear Mr. Mandela, congratulations. And thanks for all that you still do for South Africans. God bless.
Hennie Visser
Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa
You are a pillar in our country that no war can break. Continue to smile and may you enjoy your birthday. God bless you, Madiba.
Blanche Marks
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Happy birthday Tata Madiba. I wish you to have more years, father of the world. May God grant it!
Zanecebo Maqeda
Bisho, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Happy 85th birthday Tata Madiba! You are the most graceful person I have seen. You make me proud to be South African. You are truly a gift sent from God. I cannot express how I feel about your greatness.
Much Love and Blessings.
Norma Africa
Cape Town, Western
Cape, South Africa
Dear Mister Nelson Mandela, a wonderful birthday is wished to you. Hope you have a lovely day and years to come. Thank you for being such a wonderful inspiration for all. Lots of love
Annalize Sieberhagen
George, South Africa
If your Birthday's going to be as wonderful as you, it sure is going to be a GREAT day. Happy birthday, Madiba. Know that we love and respect you, and hope that you'll be with us for many more years to come.
Heybrecht and Pieter Bouillon
Rouxville, OFS, South Africa
Sir,
First we did not know you,
Then we hate you,
Soon we respect you,
And shortly after we love you.
Many happy returns MADIBA!
Thys Taljaard
Strand, Cape Town, South Africa
Mister Mandela, another year has been added to your life, give praise to our Almighty God. May He grant you many more beautiful years. May God, who understands each
need, who listens to every prayer, bless you and keep you in His care. Have a wonderful birthday.
Sylvia Africa
Belhar, Cape Town, South Africa
To my HERO, a very warm, Happy Birthday. Next to God, my mother, husband and children, you have the main seat at my table. With all my love. I pray for you, excellent health and many more years. God Bless!
Claudette Stewart
Canada
A very Happy Birthday, Madiba...and many, many more to come. Thank you for making me very proud to be South African. Kindest regards.
Samantha Pugh
Durban, South Africa
Madiba, you are simply the best. May you have a wonderful birthday with lots of love, friends and family.
Ria Pool
Alexander Bay, South Africa
Ulonwabele usuku lwakho lokuzalwa Tat'omkulu Madiba. Ukhule ungakhokhobi!
Mawande Victor Mahashe
Leondale, Germiston, South Africa
Young man, stay young
as ever. We love you. Above all, happy birthday.
Sifiso & Lung'sani Phewa
KwaMashu
Suddenly, you are 85 years old; in 1990 you appeared young enough. It’s a pity time runs so fast. But now, we realise that they should have released you 25 years ago. God must bless you and really compromise by giving you an additional 20 years to live. We need you forever. Yes, you redefined the globe and human beings. We love you ...really love you.
David Kgantsi Malepa
Mokopane, South Africa
Tata, re go lakaletsa masego le pholeo e ntle, celebrate your day with style. We appreciate what you did for us, especially the children, because your image will always be with them. Your name is a mirror reflecting the spirit of Ubuntu. We wish you luck. Re itumela le wena.
Monica, Makgotso, Bonolo and Kgosietsile Moss Moepeng
Sophiatown, South Africa
To President Nelson Mandela: my congratulations for your
85th birthday. Wishing that God can continue giving you strength, good health, and long life for many years to come. May God bless you.
Hirondina T.A. de Morais
Maputo, Mozambique
Dear Mandela, thank you for making us proud to be African. May all our leaders learn from your wisdom. Happy Birthday.
Francine
France
It is not in doubt that Nelson Mandela is loved and adored all over the world. But coming to South Africa as a visiting academic and researcher, I have also seen that he is equally as much loved and adored at home. Nelson Mandela is truly a great man. So may I join millions of people around the world in saying: Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela! May God spare your life and grant you many more birthdays to come.
Olu Fasan
London, United Kingdom
Mandela you are the best! You are my HERO ! Happy B-day. Please send me an e-mail. I love you.
Renette van der Walt
Strand, Cape
Town, South Africa
Beste Madiba, baie, baie geluk met u verjaarsdag! Mag u nog lank gespaar bly vir u gesin en vriende! Alles wat mooi is, en goeie gesondheid word u toegewens! Geniet die dag!!
Cecilia Brits
Pretoria, South Africa
Dear Oom Nelson, I am extremely happy to be able finally to get a message to you on this special occasion of your 85th Birthday. Having tried many times to get to you, I am now sending all the blessings and good wishes of my family and myself on achieving this your 85th birthday. May the Almighty bless and keep you for as long as you can be the spirit and leader of a nation like our blessed South Africa. Addressing you as "Oom", comes from the old days around the ANC, NIC and SACTU offices in Durban. I hope my last name can trigger the family relationship - Billy Nair is my elder Brother. My greetings once again to you and Aunt Graca.
Jay Nair
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Happy
birthday Madiba, you have done wonders for us and may the Almighty God shower you with his grace.
Godfrey
Pretoria, South Africa
Iminqweno emihle Tata wethu, wanga unganamandla uqhubele phambili ngemisebenzi emihle
Ndumiso Nongwe
Grahamstown, South Africa
I wish for God to keep you much longer than 85 years because you mean so much to me and also to the young ones. You are a hero, a man of peace. Khula njalo MADIBA'' INKOSI IKUGCINE'
Ntokozo Majozi
Richards Bay, South Africa
Happy Birthday, Mister Mandela. May God bless you, for many more years with us. I always remember your birthday because my birthday is the day before yours - 17th July. Have a wonderful and happy day with your family.
Sonia Adams
Johannesburg, South Africa
Hi Mister Mandela...A very happy birthday from the both of us. Hope you have a joyous day and may the good Lord spare you many
more. We met you personally in the year when you were elected president of the new democratic SA and since then you have remained an inspiration in our lives, and served as motivator for us to achieve our dreams. We visited your cell at Robben Island and cried tears of immense sadness when we realised just how much you have been through for our country. Thank you so much for all you have done for us. Your strength and determination is astounding. Hope this new year is just another one of many. God Bless you.
Ermine and Albert (Jnr) Links
Reiger Park, Boksburg, Johannesburg
Madiba, you laid down your life for my freedom and indeed I am free. You did not know whether you would win in your battle, but you never gave up. You did not enjoy your fatherhood because of me, you gave your blood just like Jesus, but you were not killed because God had a purpose for you and, most importantly, you freed us all, both black and white. Happy birthday and long may you
live. Halala Madiba. Happy birthday.
Phillip Mathebula
Nelspruit, South Africa
O godile Madiba, o bone dilo, a Modimo a go okeletse a go neye kagiso e e sa khutleng.
Motsweng Baepi
Johannesburg, South Africa
Madiba, you and Graca make Africa proud. How often do we Africans have a person of your stature in this world? I hope African "leaders" can learn and practice what you stand for -- peace. I remember these few words at your inauguration: "Never again will South Africa become a scoundrel of the world....." Most of the leaders have practiced this well. I sincerely hope that this day, your birthday, shall be one of many to come.
S. Dube
Sacramento, California, United States of America
STERKTE MADIBA
Bassey Thulo
Sundowner, Randburg, South Africa
Happy Birthday Madiba! Have a great 85th Birthday and many, many more. You have been an inspiration to us all. Best
Regards.
Craig and Caroline Hind
Umhlanga Rocks, KZN, South Africa
Oupa Madiba!!!! Very Happy birthday. You are truly my role model. The inspiration for a rainbow nation. May every South African all over the world smile on the birth date of the greatest leader! Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela!!! Happy Birthday...
Caroline Saayman
Durban, South Africa
Dear Madiba, may the year ahead be blessed with happiness, good health and prosperity. My wish for you is that all your dreams be realised and that the coming year be filled with joy. Thank you for your outstanding wisdom and example to the rest of mankind. You are a role model to us. Thank you for all your contributions and for being a role model. We acknowledge and praise you!! Happy 85 Birthday, hope you are with us for at least another 100 years.
Amanda Ellis
Pretoria, South Africa
Your are truly the GREATEST STATESPERSON ON EARTH. You have made this
world a better place. May you have a wonderful birthday filled with love, and may you and Mama Graca enjoy many more years together. We love you enormously.
Premi and Vulindlela Appalraju
Cape Town, South Africa
Madiba..Happy 85th birthday. Wish you see many more days to come and may God bless you.
Thabo Mpepele
Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy birthday Tatomkhulu ukhule ungakhokhobi, I know it wasn't easy road, but you have won your race.
Ngcaciso Yaphi
Gugulethu, Cape Town, South Africa
YOU ARE ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE PEOPLE ON EARTH. You have really grown beyond the leadership qualities one can have on earth. I wish you a healthy, long and happy life. Madiba. Nkulunkulu akubusise ube lusito njalo. Siyakutsanda Babe wetfu.
Sipho Nhlanhla Dlamini
Japan
Happy Birthday Ntate Mandela. May the Good Lord of Mercy be with you always. Many more happy returns and the best
of luck. Happy birthday Ntate.
Anna Dire
Johannesburg, South Africa
You have taught us to be humble, to respect humanity and to tolerate those with different views from ours . May you see many more TATA.
Daniel Kekana
Johannesburg
You are the best creature ever created by the Creator to enlighten many a life. Are you real? Can I touch you? Just let me know when I can come for a history-in-the-making handshake. May you forever brighten other creatures' lives. Happy Birthday Tata.
Ms Ntlaletseng Motaung
Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MZEE Mandela! We are proud of you, the man who forgives but not forgeting humanity. May God add more years into your life.
Ramadhan Ahungu
Tanga, Tanzania
Hola Madiba (Majita). May you have many more (not to count) happy returns. May the years ahead of you be blessed. You are an inspiration to a nation and the rest of
the world that will never forget you. May there be more leaders in this world to follow in your footsteps. Long may you live. Enjoy your birthday. Regards And Love.
Yusuf, Kerry and Shaheed Basha
Johannesburg, South Africa
Madiba, happy Birthday to you. 85 is a great achievement. I hope your birthday wish will be that the Boks beat the All Blacks on Saturday and go on to Win the Rugby World Cup. Thanks for all you have done for South Africa, and all that is still to come. Best Wishes.
Billy and Coco
Shepards Bush, London, England
Happy birthday Tat' uMadiba. You have taught Africans not to feel like stepchildren of God. Today we walk with our heads high due to your wisdom and love.
Sakhiwo
Johannesburg, South Africa
To the grandfather of our nation: thank you for every thing you have ever done for us. May you be blessed with as much good health as the love that people show you.
Lanielle
Gould
Cape Town, South Africa
Happy birthday THATHA. May God shower His richest and choicest blessings on you. You deserve the very best. Enjoy the day. The whole world will be celebrating your birthday. God Bless.
Kevin Naidoo
Pretoria, South Africa
Congratulations Madiba. I respect you. Enjoy your day with your family and friends. From a former Robben Island prison warder, 1976 – 1981.
Aubrey du Toit
Cape Town, South Africa
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TATA, May you see many more years to come. You give us strength with your encouraging words and I wish to see you face to face one day. With love.
Ndwekazi Makitela
East London, South Africa
Happy Birthday tat'uMadiba. There is not a single country that does not wish to have a legend like you. May your brains remain as they are for the next hundred years to come.
Nosipho
Sokufudumala, South Africa
I
wish our Godfather more good health and his everlasting vision for Africa, that Africa will one day live by herself.
Mr Walter Ndubuisi
Guangdong China
Dear Mister Mandela, Happy birthday! Thank you for everything you have done. God bless you!
Nicholas Lotz
Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba!! Much Love and Respect !!
Siyabulela Msoki
Cape Town, South Africa
Wishing you a happy birthday Tata.
Ayanda Ntamo
Pretoria, South Africa
Tata Madiba, I wish you a happy birthday. May God bless you.
Mathole Masilo
Mankweng, Limpopo
Heita da Tata Madiba. I would not mind if you lived forever seeing as you are one of a kind. Wishing you a happy birthday Tata.
Max Vulindlela Ndlovu
Kempton Park
May God Bless you. We all love you.
Raymond Maphoka Phoka
Maseru, Lesotho
Happy
birthday Tata. You are in inspiration to all mankind, especially your messages of reconciliation. I especially send this message on behalf of my grandson Lerato Msimango who always refer to you as "Ntate Mandela oa ka" We both love you very much. May the Lord Bless you.
Mamojaki Suping
Leandale, South Africa
GO NELSON! IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY! WE’RE GONNA PARTY LIKE ITS YOUR BIRTHDAY!
Anthea
Wynberg, Cape Town
Happy birthday, Mr. Mandela. Thank you immensely for the wonderful things you are doing for children. Bravo!
Lady, Nkechi T. Osakwe
Tacoma Park, Maryland, United States of America
Happy b-day, Mister President. May God look after you and your children of Africa. You were born to be a leader. Long live to you Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Uyonwabele imini yakho!!
Khanyisile Kwenye
Cape Town, South Africa
Madiba, the lion of Africa,
Gentle, brave and
proud,
Standing straight, dignified, in the Tsavo, where beast and men have learnt to walk stooped;
ashamed, broken.
Madiba, the magestic giraffe of the Serengeti,
Gentle, brave and proud,
Standing tall in the Serengeti, never seeking,
To harm man or beast,
Proud to claim your space.
Madiba, as you recline on your chair,
Watching the last rays of the sun,
Say a prayer,
Ask the Gods to bless Africa!
Rashid Abdi
Kenya
May God grant you all your heart desires Inshallah...Best wishes. ;-)
Nazley Fataar and family
Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa
Happy birthday Tata Madiba and many happy returns! Congratulations on all your fine work for the good of South Africa.
Kholu
Bloemfontein, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba and thank God for blessing you with such an abundant life. You are a legend who will be celebrated by many generations to come.
We are so fortunate to have seen you during our lifetimes. We are so fortunate to be connected to the legacy of Robben Island .Madiba, you make me ponder and start reflecting on the past. I remember how difficult it was to have experienced prison at the age of 8 years, how difficult it was to attend the treason trial that went on for so many years, what it was like to wake up in the morning and find SADF soldiers sitting on our premises. I remember paying a visit to Robben Island in the early seventies. Luckily, I was one of the first people to have a word with Walter Sisulu after he was released and when I shook his hand I asked him where Madiba is and he said "he is coming'. I was very young when the now Judge of the Constitutional Court, Judge Pius Langa, was one of the lawyers in the treason trial of my brother and when I grew up the ve ry same person was the one who ordained my degree when he was appointed a chancellor of Natal University. Now I am an adult, when I look back I
can see it was not easy but it was worth it . WHEN MADIBA IS PARTYING SOUTH AFRICA MUST DANCE. I share these stories with you so that you will know that to us Madiba is not about the past but about the present and the future.
Bongani Ngobese
Durban, South Africa
Happy Birthday to the man who made me a very proud patriotic South African.
Karin Eunson
Winnipeg, Canada
Ri kho livhuwa mveledziso yothe ye vha ri itela, zwihulusa rine vhana vhatuku. Ari divhi nndwa tshera vha hone. Hula Mandela hula!!!
Phyllis Nwshe
Maniini, Venda, South Africa
Dear Madiba, you are a living legend and it was the greatest honour for me to meet you in Cape Town in 2001 at UCT. I am South African now living in Australia. I just want to wish you a very happy birthday and hope you have many more.
Amit Dhupelia
Melbourne, Australia
I wish you a very happy birthday and wish you many many
more. You are an inspiration to the nation and us, and we are thankful for your help in our liberation and prosperity of the country. We would just like you to swop around you numbers and instead of being 85 be 58 as you have the heart of the nation in you. Happy, happy birthday to you.
John Thobela and Farouk Shah
Johannesburg
Dear Madiba, You are a true inspiration to us all. You are a real angel walking the face of the earth. May God keep you safe. Happy Birthday! Lots of Love.
Debra Lakay
Worcester, South Africa
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The Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book:
