Dear Mr Mandela ...
Welcome to the official Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book, page 2
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.
No book or film or play nor poem can do justice in portraying the reality of what your life epitomizes. Only a feeling experienced by one at the mention of your name! We love you, Tata. Grow strong and enjoy your day.
Archbishop Phelelani Nzuza
Johannesburg, South Africa
You will always be our president, halala madiba halala!!!!!!!!!
Kegomoditswe
Kuruman, Northern Cape, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela, may you have a wonderful day, you are a wonderful inspiration to me and our country.
Karen
Stander
Krugersdorp, Gauteng
I just want to wish you a happy birthday. You are a great example and inspirator. Nothing but respect!!! Love
Sabine Kroeze
The Netherlands
Dear Nelson, You remain an inspiration and a source of wonder for us all. God Bless you on your 85th birthday, and my every good wish for your health and happiness in the future. Thank you.
Edward Davey and family.
London, England
May God give you more years and good health to stay with us. We still need your spirit of Ubuntu. Thanks for existing.
Mustapha Sanneh
Milan, Italy
Madiba, your life is an inspiration to all people of African origin. Considering all the leadership disappointments we have had to live with, at last a name that commands utmost acceptance and respect. Yours is a household name that gives us all pride. Words will never be sufficient, thank God for your life and Happy
birthday.
Olusoji Owolabi
Budapest, Hungary
Hongera Mzee Mandela. Congratulations Mr Mandela, Happy birthday to you.
SE Kisunga
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Happy Birthday Mr Mandela! And I hope and pray you have many, many more.
Edward Bivens
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Thank you for taking time one special day in 1996 to make me feel special. Just wanted you to know that I look at that photograph in particular everyday. I wish you a very Happy 85th Birthday Madiba and may God bless you and his Angels guard you. We love, respect and honour you. Amandla! From Merle and all of us at BlackRock and the Ivan O'Brien Foundation.
Merle Constance O'Brien
Illovo, Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy birthday and thank you for making us proud to be South African again.
David Nell/ Patrick Nell
New Jersey, USA
Dear Father, I feel you so
much vibrating in my mentos. When I was 12, I was desperately looking for someone to give me the low-down on the 'Mandela' buzz. There was nobody but the media and rumours. But I made it a point of duty on that day, February 11, 1990, to watch you live on TV as you marched out with your fist in the air, telling the oppressors they might hold us down for a while, but they cannot take us out. And ever since, I've always longed for and felt your presence in a major way. I believe that just like Malcolm, Nkrumah, Lumumba, L'Ouverture, you're always gonna be with us. Don't leave us father, stay with us 'coz we still got a long way to go. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and may God listen to you whatever you say. And all his blessings to you.
Ngome Akume
California, USA
I was with President Obasanjo one day before your release, when he likened you to Moses. Thanks to Almighty Allah you didn't just take us to the promised land you are still here with us.
Ghalib
Akinlabi
Berkeley, California, USA
With much love and respect for what you have done and continue to do for humanity ... Happy Birthday Madiba!
Gary Scotland
Washington, DC
Congratulations to you. May you live long to see more good days. As you celebrate this birthday, remember eternity. God bless you.
Omidiran Oludele Michael
Lanlate, Oyo State, Nigeria
Greetings from Guyana! I am an artist from Guyana, you are my strength and encouragement when I feel like giving up. May YOU live on to inspire the African populace and the world at large.
Kwesi Bovell
Guyana
You are an inspiration to all mankind. You survived what is very impossible. Happy birthday the shine of Africa.
Surafel Befekadu
Seattle, USA
Good day sir. You are doubly to be called my biological father. Leaders like you are not many in this generation. Your knowledge,
vision and wisdom in turning this world into a place of hope, peace and heaven on earth are of great importance to our generation. However sir, I promise that in the direction of your part we shall continue to work towards a greater nation. Above all I wish you a happy birthday at 85 and many years to come. South Africa is alive with possibility. My best regards to your family.
Samuel Godson Adigio
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Thank you, may God bless you & keep you in his embrace forever!
Mahala Bebonang/ Leslie Alvarez
Washington, DC
Many happy returns Sir, may God continue to direct you, Amen. Please help educate the leaders of other African states that don't realise they are people's servants. Instead they behave as if they are carrying two heads.
Alade
London, UK
Happy birthday to you and many more to come you are the greatest man I respect. Merci
Ibrahima Kabba
Paris,
France
To you Madiba, Happy Birthday. May you see and enjoy many more years with us all. God Bless You,
George Christensen
Banjul, Gambia
Happy Birthday, Papa of Africa. Your exemplary life, your wisdom and the light you shine on Africa will continue to remind the world that Africa is not only about wars, diseases and disasters - We Love You, Papa. And may the Almighty God continue to guide you, and give you more years on earth. Amen.
Primus Chuks Igboaka (Nigerian)
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Happy Birthday Mr President. You are a man of the people, we love you. Happy birthday once more and God bless you.
Ndengu Joan
Uppsala, Sweden
I wish you a happy birthday Sir and pray that you live long enough to see all your dreams come to fruition. This is all I can say to wish you a happy birthday - Sir. Thanks
Kayode Familoni
USA
Dwayna and I
wish you happy 85th birthday. You are our hero for life, therefore we wish you, Mr Mandela, many, many more years to come. Thank you.
Henry SK Smith and Dwayna M Jordan
USA
Happy birthday, Mr Mandela. My family and I wish you the best on this monumental occasion. You truly are an icon and an inspiration to us.
Mandinema Kumbula-Fraser
Maryland, USA
Mandela is thorough. A Mandela in each continent would change the world for the better.
Kekong Bisong
Nigeria
Words can't express what you mean to the African sisters and brothers. Job well done you helped the African youth and adults to get freedom and you were the strength for them to carry on no matter what they went through. I pray to God that you live long and healthy.
Paul Endjala
Windhoek, Namibia
Words fail me to say what lies deep down in my heart, nor how happy I am to live in your time. I can
only pray to God, and God help me, that ONE day I be given the opportunity to shake your hand. That will be one of those things I always hoped for, and will be ready to die in peace. Let God save you for us. Happy birthday, Madiba. Long Live!
Josiah Matome Molefe
Bela-Bela, Limpopo, South Africa
May the glory of God, who kept you alive for 27 years in prison, continue to shine on you, and may God continue to guide you so that we your sons and daughters will continue to learn from you for many more years. Happy birthday, O blessed one.
Peter Awomoyi
Croydon, London
President Mandela you are an inspiration to all South Africans around the world and you make us feel very proud about our country. May your birthday be a relaxing and joyous occasion for you and your family. We share the same birthday of 18 July, so I have always been able to say that I was born on the same day as the person I think is one of the greatest
leaders of all time!
Steve Griessel
South Africa
Your leadership in fighting HIV/AIDS and promoting human rights had a profound influence on me. I hope more of my compatriots have the opportunity to learn from you.
Scott Pulizzi
Boston, USA
At the height of the apartheid struggle before the Rivonia trial many people including my relatives thought you were mad to confront the apartheid killer establishment. When you got incarcerated they said you asked for it adding you got lucky they didn't kill you. When you refused conditional release to a Bantustan in your home village many thought you seemed not to know what you wanted. When you finally walked through the gates of Pollsmoor prison emotion gripped all friends and foe alike. Many of us had barely heard your voice before that date. When you took up the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa and then quit in a very short space of time we were left numb and left
speechless. Why all these surprises? Surprises? These are the hallmarks of honest men who thrive on principle and not kickbacks and overflowing ill gotten swiss accounts. It is going to take a bit of time before we come across anything like you. More time! More life! More light! More progress! May god's blessings continue to shine on you on your 85th birthday and beyond.
Pelontle Brewer Mosweu
Gaborone, Botswana
Happy birthday Mr Mandela. Be as big as an elephant. Have many more to come. We all love you in Limpopo.
Matlhodi Loria Lebea
Tzaneen, Limpopo, South Africa
May God spare you to see more healthy birthdays. O hole O hole. O re golotse Lefatsheng la bokgoba. Stanley. Lemogang le Semakaleng.
Stanley Matseke
Mabopane, South Africa
I was young when under your leadership and guidance of the African National Congress you took the country on the road to reconciliation,
reconstruction and development as the first President of a free and democratic South Africa. Nine years into our liberation I have not seen any better and I am certain of our future. Everything in every way is getting better and better. I thank you for your sacrifice and your continued contribution to making our world a better place. May you see many, many more.
Refilwe Nnani
Klerksdorp, Gauteng, South Africa
Baba Nelson Mandela, Your forgiving spirit is such an inspiration to all mankind. Happy Birthday and God bless you, forever. From the African community.
Reigh Simuzoshya
USA
As you contemplate your Birth Day and your life so richly lived, I thank you for your goodness. Hamba Kahle in this new year.
Margaret J Johnstone
Vancouver BC, Canada
Happy Birthday Mr Mandela. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel towards you for your incredible leadership of our country at its
democratic infancy. Thank you, Mr Mandela, thank you!
Andrew Newdigate
London, England - from Cape Town
To a Great Leader, a Fabulous Birthday to you. May God continue to bless and strengthen you as long as you may live.
Tamara Murray-Munroe
Guyana
Happy birthday Mr President. Your life is a treasure for us all. You inspire us all in every way there is. Long Live.
Simbarashe Morgan Chitiyo
Zimbabwe
Many happy returns - it is a pity that there are not more people like you in politics today. All the best & many more days like today.
Oscar Rajasooriya
Germany
Happy Birthday Papa Mandela. Your courage, endurance, and love had been and still be a symbol of God's plan for Africa. I am proud of you and wish every leader will follow your example. As a Young African who lived in SA, your life is an inspiration to me as I am dreaming of a Better
Africa! I love you and God bless you! Siabonga, Madiba. Yours with heart for the mother land
Rev. Komi Aholou
USA
It has been a privilege to have lived in South Africa during your time - happy birthday and God bless.
Sallyann Niven
Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy birthday, Madiba, wishing many more - ua the hero of Africa.
Zhadzisani
Botswana
Woni agaba ma kpe fun eyon ... eyin ti pe fun wa, a de dupe lo Oloun ti o je ke kpe funwa. God Bless you and long may we live to see more of an example of humanity at its best.
Ola Akerele
London, UK
May the largest of leaders of unbiased opinions be the greatest
inspirer for world leaders and kids playing.
Marc Zandhuis
Cape Town & Utrecht
Have a blessed Birthday, Tata! May you see more, because if there's anyone who deserves good health and long life, it can only be
YOU. You have made us proud of being black in this world, because we can now be associated with the greatest man in the Planet, YOU. Lots of love
Thandokazi
Ivory Park, Gauteng, South Africa
May God continue to protect you and enable you see a strong and
devoted young generation of Africans. Sir, may God bless you. Happy birthday.
Chu Samuel
Austria
Madiba! You are a pillar of strength for me when I get despondent
about my country, about the people in it, and about the world that I will
have to bring my children into. You are what I will show my children when I
want to tell them of a great, kind and revolutionary man. Happy Birthday. I
am so grateful to have lived during your time.
Demi Bender
London, England
Happy Birthday, Father. You are a Hero and also a Genius, keep it up, Madiba!
Sello Tlou Levy Chipu
Tembisa, Gauteng, South Africa
Dear
Mr Mandela, the last time we met was in 1992 when I graduated from Durban University. Since then I have been humbled by your leadership, compassion, resolve and inspiration for a South Africa that we can all be very proud of. I never miss an opportunity to tell anyone I meet how very proudly South African I am and who my leader is. Happy 85th and may you have many more.
Uyindoda emadodeni!
Mike Campbell
Texas, USA
I have admired your determination all my life. You are living proof that with determination and faith one can move mountains! Your life has been my courage, and incidentally my birthday falls on the same date! I WISH YOU MANY BIRTHDAYS TO COME! May Allah continue to keep you and guide you in the right path. MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY!
Ishmail Kamara
Sweden
President Mandela, I wish you a happy 85th birthday, and hundreds more to come. You are as young as you have ever been. Youth is measured not by
the
number of years that one lives but by the degree of his or her courage,
determination, and consistency in pursuing the high ideals of freedom, justice, and peace. You continue to bravely voice out the truth for justice and peace, where many thirty, forty, and fifty-year-olds do not dare to speak. That is the meaning of youth, and you will continue to be young in our hearts and our minds. I thank you, Sir.
Geepu Nah Tiepoh
Montreal, Canada
I miei migliori auguri di buon compleanno nella speranza che la
vita le offra le gioie che si merita. Cordialmente,
Luca Servo
Rome, Italy
Nelson, you have inspired us with your grace and renewed our faith
in the struggles of the African people. Coming from Botswana, and now
studying in the USA, I am proud to be both geographically and historically
associated with you. On the occasion of your 85th birthday, "kare nelwa ke
pula rra."
Lekoko
Kenosi
Pittsburgh, USA
After driving past your home in Qunu after an Adventure Race, I am
truly amazed at the difference literally anyone can make. It is something
that inspires me - congratulations on your birthday.
Mike Richardson
Randburg, South Africa
Dear President Mandela, as a free South African, I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your integrity, high morals, good governance, excellent leadership, and most importantly, your tireless fight for peace, freedom, and morality throughout the world. You are one of God's greatest gifts to mankind. You are our nation's pride. You are the world's role model. You are simply the best. Thank you for your sacrifice. We will forever cherish your greatness. May God bless you and keep you. Hang in there Madiba; 100 is just around the corner. Long live Rolihlahla! Happy birthday, Mr President! Respectfully,
William Ntsoana
New York City,
USA
Happy Birthday to you ... Happy Birthday to you ... Happy ...
Birthday ... Mr ... President (you always will be) ... Happy Birthday to you!
Richard James
London, England
Happy Birthday, Sir! I visited your beautiful country two years ago and was honored to see sites relevant to your life. You have been an inspiration to so many. One of my most prized moments in life was singing the Anthem of the African National Congress to you with my church choir on the Esplanade in Boston after you were released. In my heart, I sing to you again on your birthday. I wish you love and peace,
Jennifer Deaderick
USA
President Mandela (you'll always be 'president' to us), Thank you for your life of courage and strength. I just completed your autobiography and I have been inspired by your words and example in many things. Thank you for your undying love for the freedom of all people wherever they may be. I was
in South Africa at the 1994 elections and during your inauguration and the ensuing months. I appreciated your strength and resilience to bring peace and reconciliation to the people of South Africa. I pray your message of hope will now continue with all South Africans and people throughout the world. Happy Birthday, Brother Madiba! Kind regards,
Patrick W. Lee
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Cde. Madiba Nelson Mandela. I only read about you as a student at Fort Hare. I learnt from you a lot even after your Release. I learnt that you never wanted to be "The President" but a leader and mentor of your people. I am happy that you set an enviable example for so many "Presidents" in Africa and the world, who so desperately want to be "presidents" over the people who don't want them. Keep up the good life/examples for the remainder of your tenure on earth. Although you are 85, I have elected you the Prime President of Africa, nominated you the President of the
Universe only accountable to God the King of the Universe. Before you leave this earthly Prime Presidency, please consult us. Happy Birthday Madiba! Yours
!Naru H. Geingob
Windhoek, Namibia
Thanks for all You have done. God bless Africa!
Jorge Heitor
Lisbon, Portugal
Dear president, Last February, I felt in love of SA and my wish was to meet you during my trip. Unfortunatly it has been impossible with our timing. But during my travel I had thought for you and C. Barnard. Happy birthday Nelson, I'm sure
you'll have a lot of good years to spend in your marvellous country. Friendly,
MT and Francis Perica
France
If anybody has been there, seen it, or done it, it's you, boet. SA's best ever president. Happy birthday, Nelson.
Duncan McIntosh
France
Dear Sir, the saying goes "for many are called but few are chosen". I
say God chose you, the world
and its people chose you, but you chose humanity, fairness, justice and peace. What a man. You have given us so much. Happy Birthday Sir. May the Good Lord bless you and your family.
Shupikai Rinomhota
Leeds, United Kingdom
Baba Africa, I am blessed to be part of this generation witnessing one grand Mandelaic story after the other. Wow! what an icon you are. Your astuteness and courage separates you from the pack of 'state beggars' that have usurped and pillaged African treasures from Cape to Cairo. You could have justifiably sat tight when opportuned to rule. But you choose the path of honour. Baba, even your detractors home and abroad cringe whenever you speak. Not all aged are wise. But truly, in your case, to you belongs wisdom. YOU ARE THE TRUE SON OF AFRICA that ably represented us world over. I will always cherish my love for this great man I have loved since I stumbled on his story while growing up in Nigeria. Happy birthday to you baba. How
glad I would be when I meet you soon God willing. Keep going strong.
Olubunmi Bunmi-Oduntan Esq.
Los Angeles, California, USA
The world is lucky to have had you with us for 85 years. Happy birthday and here's to many more.
Les Tilley
Jozi, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela Sir, You were the last true leader of a country on this planet. Why do I say this? Because a nation believed implicitly in your leadership, and you did not let them down. But the information age now allows each of us to assess the realities that face us, such that we no longer blindly believe in a head of state. But we do need him or her to run the country - as a true public servant should. But this does not mean that we do not need leaders. We do! But we will find them in all sorts of places, some of which we may least expect. And they will be leaders not because they have so-called power, but because they have our respect. That you have moved into
civil society and yet retained your status as a revered leader is showing us the way. Happy Birthday, and thank you!
Andrew McKenzie
Pretoria, South Africa
You really deserve to live that long!!! You are an icon of resistance, goodness, humility and visionary leadership. May God add many more years of good health and joy. Khul' uzukhokhobe KaMandela.
Christian Ndiweni
Texas, USA
Dear Mr Mandela, the pupils and staff of Marist Brothers Linmeyer
wish you a very blessed birthday. May God spare you to have many more.
Marist Brothers (Linmeyer)
Johannesburg, South Africa
I pray GOD's richest blessings on you and your family. Especially on YOU on this special 85th birthday. We can ONLY thank GOD for YOU. Thank you for your inspiration to all, young and old. Thank you for what you had and still are doing for ALL South Africans. May GOD's peace that surpasses all understanding be with you.
We love Ntate Madiba. From Katrina, Camilla and Morvena.
Katrina Mseme
Observatory, Johannesburg
O hole o lekane le tlou! (Grow old/ grow big like an elephant!)
Lehlohonolo Mafereka
Oxford, England
What do you give a man who gave his all for the freedom of his people? Mandela, we thank YOU for the sacrifice of yester years. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sir. All our love
Tosin & Demola Deinde
United Kingdom
Happy Birthday, Mr Mandela. You are not only a South African treasure, but a World treasure. My family and I humbly wish you a blessed day and forever thank and honor you and your family for your astounding strength and courage. PEACE!
The Thomas Family
NYC, USA
I wish you a happy birthday and I pray that God will continue to spare your life to fufill his purpose in South Afica and especially in the world as a whole. God bless you and many happy
returns.
Iyabo Christie Oladipo
Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Nigeria
Best wishes, Madiba, and wishing you many more!!
Russell Fox
London, England
Dear father of Africa/the world and my hero, I am a Liberian woman resident in Sweden, married to a Swedish man and the founder and president of an NGO for Liberia, Liberia Dujar Association. This month being your birthday brings lots of memories into my mind. How could anyone have known that you will be released at this time to celebrate your 85th birthday this month! From me and the children of Liberia, who are struggling for peace as I write this, we salute you and say: HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! MAY YOU LIVE TO BE 100 YEARS OLD! MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU.
Lois Hemgren
Founder & President, Liberia Dujar Association
Happy birthday Mr Nelson Mandela, You are a big blessing not only to Africa, but to the whole entire world. The example of love and
peace you have shown to the world has made it a beautiful place to live in. You are one of the biggest shining lights the world has witnessed in history. I see you as the world youth big Daddy. Happy birthday and may God continue to bless you.
Margaret O.
AB Canada
As you celebrate your 85th Birthday we pray that God will continue to Bless, Guide, and Protect you so that you will complete your selfless Service to Humanity, successfully, to the glory of His Name. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Nelson Mandela!!!
Enoch Okoli and family
Nelson BC Canada
Happy Birthday Mr Mandela!! I have always been deeply passionate about being South African, but you showed me how to be deeply compassionate too. Thank you for your forgiveness, for your guidance, for your eternal lessons. My little daughter and her children and their children thereafter will know what a great man you are ... thank you with all my heart and may absolute joy surround
you on your birthday.
Dale Knowles-Gaylard
Johannesburg, South Africa
You are an inspiration to us all. Happy Birthday Madiba!! The hearts and thoughts of a nation are with you today.
Paul Dickson
London/ Cape Town
Happy Birthday! You are a great example of humility, love, kindness and the power of forgiveness. May you have a blessed day and many more happy birthdays to come.
Brad Morgan
Durban, South Africa
Madiba, you are 85yrs young and may you continue to grow from strength to strength. May your life continue to be a source of light and a forever shining symbol of hope as we continue to climb many more hills to our total emancipation, development and prosperity as equal citizens, tied together by many invisible threads of our nationhood and a common future - a better South Africa, a better Africa to an even better world.
Muzi Ndlovu
Johannesburg, South
Africa
Happy birthday - What a wonderful inspiration you are to future generations of South Africa.
Pamela Christie
Edenvale, Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy birthday you wonderful old man. We love you and apologise for the years you had to suffer under Apartheid. Thanks for being so forgiving.
Retha du Randt
Pretoria, South Africa
All the best on your birthday.
Jonathan Keartland
Surbiton, Surrey, UK
Dear Madiba, Wishing you a happy birthday and many more years filled with Health and Happiness. You are an Inspiration and you still give me Hope despite some harsh times we go through in SA. Warm Regards
Aso Balan
Brixton/Auckland Park, Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy Birthday, Uncle Nelson! May God bless you, your family and our country richly.
Radio Alpha
Badplaas, Mpumalanga, South
Africa
Ukhule ungakhokhobo tata - xa umthomkhulu ungawa, angatsha' madami anamazi. Mini emndandi kuwe!
Melba Geca
Gauteng, South Africa
Happy 85th birthday Madiba. You are an inspiration for us all. I hope in future more South Africans will follow the example you set. Good luck and I hope you have many more.
Byron Linsell
Johannesburg, South Africa
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may he turn his countenance to you and give you peace ... may your light grow stronger each day and may you be a beacon to others ... happy 85th birthday.
Gillian Brollo
Johannesburg, South Africa
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The Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book:
