Dear Mr Mandela ...
Welcome to the official Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book, page 23
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.
Dear Sir, I am nine years old and have been following your story, although I do not understand politics. Thank you very much for all the kind things you are doing for us children. May Allah bless you.
Mustafah Poonjany
Laudium, Pretoria, South Africa
May God bless you in all religions. You mean so much to so many. Let your days with us be long so we can learn so much more from you.
Jolene Joffe
Cape Town, South Africa
A very happy and healthy 85th birthday to you. You are such a special and unique
person radiating such inner beauty and strength. A true icon for all future generations. All our love, warmth, support and passion wished to you not only for your birthday but for all the days to come.
Lenny van den Berg
Cape Town, South Africa
Have a wonderful 85th Birthday and hope there are many more in the future.
Management and Staff of Putco and Putprop Limited
Gallo Manor, Johannesburg, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela, Congratulations on 85 fruitful years - may you have a blessed day on the 18th!
Endriette Meyer
Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa
Herzlichen Glueckwunsch zu Ihrem Geburtstag, moegen Ihre Wuensche in Erfuellung gehen. Mit respekt vor Ihrem Lebenswerk.
Rolf Vorwerk
Germany
Baie geluk met u verjaarsdag. Ons het baie respek vir u en hoop dat u nog lank gesond sal wees.
Hoërskool Vereeniging
Vereeniging, South
Africa
Sir, thanks for the lessons in life that you have given the country. May you have a blessed birthday and enjoy the well-earned gift from our Heavenly Father.
Graham Foxcroft
Pretoria, South Africa
Thanks to the Lord for creating you, a good African leader, a model of excellence. May God bless you and keep you till the end of your life. God will keep you and your glory will live forever.
Bola Ogunmefun
Lagos, Nigeria
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TATA MADIBA. On behalf of the Middelburg Municipality, may we express our congratulations to the father of our liberation struggle, Mr Madiba, on your 85 birthday. The period that you have walked in life is a long walk to the great contribution you have made in our country's liberation. May you see more of life. God bless you.
Councillor IMT Mahlangu, Executive Mayor
Middelburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa
On behalf of the management and
staff of the Voortrekker Monument, our sincerest best wishes on your birthday. Thank you for what you have done for the Voortrekker Monument and for South Africa and the world. Respectfully yours.
Maj Gen GN Opperman
Pretoria, South Africa
From the 4 generations of the Mahlatjie family. You have touched all of us. From the great grandfather to the great grandchildren. Have a wonderful, blessed, birthday. May God's unfailing hand be upon you wherever you go. Happy 85th birthday!!!!
The Mahlatjie family
Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy birthday. May you have many more.
Corne, Noleen, Vicky, Emily, the cat, hamsters and goldfish
Weltevreden Park, Gauteng, South Africa
For many years you were in jail fighting for our freedom and democracy. I've always wanted to send a special word of thanks to you Tata ... Today on your Birthday could not
be a better oppportunity to thank u, I feel so honoured and so close to you to say "Happy Birthday Madiba, May the Lord God add 85 more years to your LIFE". HAPPY BIRTHDAY TATA "AMANDLA".
Michael Dudumele Manyama
Ga-kgapane, South Africa
"our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become." Happy 85th birthday to a true leader.
Theresa, Dinah, Frikkie, Re and Chantal Smook
Laezonia, Gauteng, South Africa
To a wonderful, humble man. You are an inspiration to millions of people worldwide. God Bless you, Madiba, on this your 85th Birthday and for many more Birthdays to come.
The Burger Family
Cape Town, South Africa
Never ever has one person virtually single-handedly changed the course of history the way you have done. We are blessed that you were born South African. Whereas some misguided individuals may love to hate you,
we love to love you. It is indeed true that "unguzondwa ziintshaba ngenxa yengqondo" (They hate you because of your statemanship/intelligence as a member of the human race). The struggle was, and still is, your life!
Xhanti Yoyo
Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Tata uMadiba uze ube nemini emnandi ngomhla wakho wokuzalwa i 18.07.03. Tata umzamo omhle uwufezile inkedama, namahlwempu bonke abangenabani ngexa yakho xa kunamhlanje nabo baziva kamnandi kuba isidima sabo sibuyele kubo ngenxa yemivumbo yomphefumlo eyaviwa nguwe wedwa phofu. Diba ndingulamama othe ngenxa yemithetho ekhusela bonke abesifazana nabantwana babo, nam ndaxhamla ndaphumla ekuhlukunyezweni enyameni, emphefumlweni nasengqondweni nabantwana bam. Tata wanga uThixo angakupha uxolo emphefumlweni akuncede uthi xa kufikelele ixesha lokunduluka kwakho emhlabeni ungabisezintlungwini usuke nje ulale ezi sele uzivile intlungu zanele. Ndibulela kakhulu kumaza omoya andeze ndade
ndalifumana ixesha lokukhupha konke ebendisoloko ndikhumithi ngawe. Uze uyonwabele Tata imini yakho nathi sikunye nawe ngemiphefumlo, uYehova ethanda sakuze nabantwana bam sikubone ubusongobuso. "Halala Diba Halala!!!!"
Nomalizo Makapela
Mdantsane, South Africa
Your ever optimistic outlook on life and the future give us all hope for a brighter tomorrow for all peoples of this planet. May God Bless you and your family. Happy Birthday father of all nations.
Allison Borah
Manzini, Swaziland
Happy Birthday Tata, thank you for your inspiration and the years you have sacrificed for my freedom.
Cindy Govender
Durban, South Africa
Madiba, South Africa, Africa and the whole of mankind are indebted to you for the tremendous contribution you have made in the noblest cause on earth - THE LIBERATION OF MANKIND. Your name and work shall endure through all the times. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADIBA! Phila
ngonaphakade Gorha ndini lase Africa!
Gunnett Kaaf
Bloemfontein, South Africa
Happy Birthday TaTa. Without you we are nothing. We are proud to have you as our father. May God keep you for us for many more years. Enjoy your day Tata Rolihlahla. Long live Madiba.
Florence Marokane
Paulshof, Gauteng, South Africa
Happy Birthday Tata, It's a blessing to be part of a generation that was touched by your courage and wisdom. Enjoy your day and many more!
Ann Maraba
Pretoria
Thank you for showing us all "There is ALWAYS a way". Have a wonderful Birthday!
Melissa Joffe
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Dear Tata; I would like to wish you a happy birthday, l also wish you 10 more years in life. God bless you; with lots of LOVE.
Mapitso Mokate
Tembisa, South Africa
Whenever I teach the section on Leadership, I ask students -
can they name me one good leader they admire. Undoubtedly, Nelson Mandela comes up. The class then hots up and we have a healthy discussion about you as the worlds most admired leader. You are the best. Congratulations on your 85th birthday Madiba.
Angadh Moorley
Umhlanga, South Africa
When my late father voted in '94, he cried and said "Thank you Madiba". I did not understand then, but almost 10 years later, I do. Thank You Madiba for giving us a life! From my father, William Tilly, my family and the rest of the world!
Marlene Ogawa
Randburg, South Africa
I wish you many more years of good health and happiness - Congratulations on your 85th Birthday. God Bless you.
Marianne Singh
Durban, South Africa
May your day be blessed with family, friends and much love.
Lee Neto
Pretoria, South Africa
You suffered
in jail for 27 years for your the freedom of your country and now it is time for us your people to say thank you. Happy birthday Madiba and may You have a blessed day.
Bongiwe Mnyakana
Berea, Johannesburg, South Africa
Dear Madiba, may the Heavenly Father walk with you today and every day for the rest of your life. Happy birthday!
Miems Maritz
Pretoria, South Africa
Thank you for your inspiration and example you have set for me and the younger generation of SA.
Adri
Bellville, South Africa
You are one of the stars I gaze up to. Happy birthday madiba
Liz Mabaso
Kitwe, Zambia
Happy Birthday Madiba, we are so proud of you!
Thandanani Childrens Foundation
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
I would like to wish you a wonderful birthday, and see many many more to come.
God bless with lots of LOVE.
Peace Motaung
Tembisa
Beste Madiba, Baie geluk met u 85ste verjaarsdag, mag die nuwe lewensjaar vol vreugde en vrede wees.
Cherry en Manda
Gauteng, South Africa
You are an inspiration to us all Happy Birthday!
Penny Pitcher
Sydney, Australia
I would like to wish you a wonderful birthday, and see many many more to come. God bless with lots of LOVE.
Peace Motaung
Tembisa, South Africa
Daddy Mandela, you are an inspiration to our nation and a great icon, without you South Africans would have been nowhere today. May God give you many more years. Happy Birthday Madiba.
Mpho Mafora
Johannesburg, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela, I wish you all the best and hope you live to be a hundred years (or more) and continue all the good work you are doing. You are already a
living icon. Greetings.
Arthur Abrahams
The Netherlands
Ntate Madiba, isibane sakho kasikhanyisise ngaleli langa lakho elikhulu, lakuwo wonke amalanga azayo
Phumzile, Talent & Kabelo
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
I would like to wish you a wonderful birthday, and see many many more to come. God bless with lots of LOVE.
Peace Motaung
Tembisa, South Africa
Happy B-Day Mr.Mandela. Thanks for being who you are, the coolest person we know. God bless.
5 Pienaar's
Nelspruit, South Africa
Happy Birthay Mr Mandela. Wish every president in the world was like you, we would finally have peace in this world. Wish you many more happy and fulfilling years.
Hanna Najdek
Fourways, Johannesburg, South Africa
Faith, trust, humanity and humbleness - clear discription of what the
man of your stature tirelessly stood for, for 85yrs those have changed 85% of the world, we are left with 15% to change the world completely. Happy Birthday Million Times Madiba
Letholetseng Moletsane
Katlehong, South Africa
The bests wishes from swizerland to Mr. Mandela
Family Dea
Switzerland
Madiba, you are a triumph for South Afrca and humanity. You have lit the way for all of us to pursue the dream of universal human dignity.
Enzo Scarcella
Melville, South Africa
Wishing you a wonderful day. May you be blessed with many more
Oupa Lanie
Roodepoort, South Africa
Happy Birthday, Tata Madiba, We were privileged to be visited by you once, but even if we didn't have the opportunity to see you in real life, we would still have been moved by your great leadership and warm personality. May God bless you with happiness and good
health in the years to come.
The staff and learners of Swellendam Secondary School
Swellendam, Western Cape, South Africa
Such a wonderful man - to have touched so many lives - Just think how many people will be thinking of you and wishing you a wonderful birthday and many more to come!! best wishes from hong kong
Julia Praetorius
Hong Kong
May you be blessed with many more years to come. You have been an inspiration to all and you are a true hero.
Warna Samsodien
Cape Town, South Africa
Baie geluk, gesondheid en Gods rykste seën wens ons almal u toe.
Saviour Freight & Logistics
Ficksburg, South Africa
Happy Birthday! You are a wonderful person ! Hope you enjoy your day !
Kleintjie Terblanche
Pretoria, South Africa
Baie Baie geluk met u verjaarsdag! Ons wens u alles wat mooi is toe en 'n
blink toekoms. Geniet die partytjie!
Exceed Group
Stellenbosch, South Africa
"And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb." Tata you have taken up this climbing challenge so vigorously and to the benefit of the world. All I can wish for is that you be granted another lifetime so that the world can realise the Global peace that you symbolise. Happy 85th Birthday, Madiba!!!
Mbuyiselo Makunga
Mdantsane, East London, South Africa
Congratulations on your birthday. May you have many more, because you are one of the finest bred roses in our land and for many children you are the eye of the future. We appreciate you for your love for our children. May you enjoy your day.
Henriette Jenkins
Pretoria, South Africa
Dear Tata, "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced" - and the greater part of the boundless
things you faced and touched, have changed considerably with your modus operandi being calm, generous and wholeheartedly focused, consistent and accommodative to everybody not considering the colour of one's skin with the observation of we are all people!!! As you celebrate your 85th birthday today with the well-wish messages pouring like a stormy rain from all across the globe, my message to you, Tata, is "Thank you for being part of many people's lives, above all, me, without you having to say no word, many get pleased and cheerful". I wish I can have you for another 85 years to come so that my children and grandchildren can have just a taste of you ... Happy 85th Birthday, Tata, and Allah of love and peace Bless you, Tata ... Peace be upon you and let it prevail in your heart and among people and nations of the world as was always your ultimate ambition.
Monty Shapiro wa-ga-Nkadimeng
Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy Birthday and may the year ahead
be a healthy and prosperous one. A great birthday for a great man. Remember life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take your breath away, may the next year be just breathtaking for you!!!
Vasie Govender
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Tata, I heard of the notorious man at a tender age and I grew to know you even better because you fought tooth and nail for our "lives" and I am where I am today because of you, Tata. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, engathi uJehova angahlala ekunika izibusiso nenjabulo ekufanele uze ubuyele kuye!
Nomusa
Durban, South Africa
Happy Birthday Madiba. My sincere wish is for all South Africans to be like you. Thank God for you and the realisation of a Rainbow Nation. God Bless you and your Family.
Van der Linde Family
Lindhaven, Roodepoort, Gauteng, South Africa
It is a great achievement for you. old age is a blessing, it's worth giving
glory to God. The black race is proud of you. Happy birthday.
Azees Yeku
Lagos, Nigeria
Happy Birthday Madiba, may you see many more. Twinkle, twinkle Big STAR.
Thandiwe Nkambule
Balfour, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela, Your success is not measured by the position that you had reached in life, but by the obstacles which you had overcome while trying to succeed - you are truly a great man! and we have learned a lot from you. Happy 85th birthday!
HC and LM van Zyl
Nelspruit, South Africa
May you live a hundred years as they say here in Poland.
Aringo
Poland
Best Wishes to the Greatest Man Ever to Grace the Soil of South Africa and the World!!
Marlon Reddy
Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa
Dear Madiba, If there is one person who I don't know personally but who I would love to meet, and greet with a huge hug, it
is you. I think you are an inspiration to humankind, I respect, admire and love you. Excuse me if I sound informal, but it is just that you have made such a deep impact on me as a person and in my heart, that I almost feel as if I do know you personally. I thank God for making you and blessing the world with the gift of you and your precious life. Thank you for everything you have sacrificed for our country, which has now become a testimony to the world of the triumph of love over hate. God bless you abundantly at this milestone. Happy Birthday. With lots of love and gratitude.
Tanya Mulder
Cape Town, South Africa
May the Almighty grant you many more years of health, wealth and happiness. You have been an inspiration to me and many across the globe. I am proud to call myself a South African and to be associated with someone as great as yourself. I thank you for everything you have done for the country and the struggle. I wish you a very Happy
Birthday ... Enjoy!
Moegamad Adams
Cape Town, South Africa
First off, I would like to offer my apologies to Mr Mandela. When I was a teenager (about 10 years ago), I often wondered why the rest of the world was so intrigued by Nelson Mandela, a convicted terrorist. Of course he had been sent to prison for his beliefs, but plenty of people in South Africa, and around the world had suffered the same fate. I dismissed Mr Mandela and people's perception of him, as someone the rest of the world used to epitomise racial injustices. Thankfully I have since "grown up", and realised the folly of youth and managed to identify just why the world was so taken by Mr Mandela, and continues as such. Something I had failed to see when I was younger was that not only is Mr Mandela indeed one of the most profound minds in recorded history, not only that he has a near abundance of compassion for both friends and enemies, and not just that he has an unquenchable spirit
for life; it's that his thirst for life is in fact the thirst for other people's lives. Please know that you've managed to enlighten at least one cynic. Happy birthday Madiba, I hope the "big" day and the following year bring you much joy.
Paul Brown
Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy b-day Madiba! Thank you for carrying the light of South Africa to the rest of the world and making our world a better place for all. You're Africa's saint! You've done us all proud! Hope you have many more!
Jaco van der Merwe
Johannerburg, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba, you are a hero even to the white people of South Africa, may the good Lord keep you safe and healthy for another 85 years, we simply love you like our own father. May God bless you with health!!
Marinus de Jong
Dersley Springs, South Africa
You deserve to enjoy every minute of your life. Happy birthday Tata Madiba. O gole o gogobe o
lekane le tlou, with love.
Motheo Moagi
Ennerdale, South Africa
I remember in 1985 I put a drawn image of your face on a notice board in our classroom and my teacher said to me "You'll end up like him" but when he saw me after fifteen years in a suit and tie he said "Politics broadened your horizons, look how elegant you are". You gave some of us hope and in your name and honour we took on the Apartheid regime. Thank you for your leadership. In emulating you, I've grown very much. May God bless and keep you for Generations to come for them to emulate you as well. Happy Birthday Old "but young" man.
Njabuliso Churchill Mbatha
Leondale, Germiston, South Africa
To an incredible man who has not only positively influenced this country of ours, but has also shown that in time good will persevere over everything else. Happy Birthday Madiba!!!
Robyn
Cape Town, South Africa
I wish you a very
happy birthday and hope that your light will shine on all of us for many years to come. You are an inspiration and a great leader. Thank you.
Annette Nielsen
Copenhagen, Denmark
Rre, Pula! Itumelele letsatsi la gago la matsalo. This day was indeed meant for great things, my mom and dad will also celebrate 29 yrs of marital bliss today. You're a constant inspiration to millions around the world. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirits warm and if I could sit across the table from God, I'd thank him for lending us you. Your love, devotion, selflessness, courage, compassion, benevolence and humility fortify me. May the wind be always at your back.
Seapei Mafoyane
Sundowner, Johannesburg, South Africa
May you have a wonderful birthday with many delightful memories. Your an inspiration to all!
Genevieve du Val
Polokwane, South Africa
Happy birthday from
Johan, Isabel and kids, God Bless
Johan Coetzer
NorkemPark, South Africa
Ntate moholo, setjhaba sa rona se lehlohonolo ho bana le mpho e kang wena. ke leboha modimo ka ho o hlokomela ho fihlela le rona ditloholo tsa hao re kgona ho thaba le wena ka tsatsi la tsoalo la hao. re lebohela tsohle tse o re etseditseng tsona. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADIBA. WE ALL LOVE U.
Lerato
Gauteng, South Africa
A Very Special and Happy Birthday to Tata Madiba - the most humble and unselfish person on earth. God Bless You.
Jonas Manamela
Ga-Mashashane, Polokwane, South Africa
Happy birthday Mr mandela.
Naeem Charles
Kimberley, South Africa
Happy birthday to you. You are the father to the fatherless. May the good gracious Lord keep you safe for the whole world as you are the pillar of strength. Looking up to you is very encouraging and motivating.
Life is quite simple with people like u around us. Keep on wit the good work.
Lerato Kekana
Pretoria, South Africa
Dearest Madiba, Congratulations on your 85th Birthday, wishing you health and many more birthdays to come. Mr Mandela, I wish more people in our beautiful country would take a leaf out of your book and apply accordingly. You are the absolute best, I have so much respect for you.
Sharon
Allens Nek, South Africa
Dear Madiba. You are truly a man amongst men and such an example to all of us in SA. You have been able to unite a deeply divided and fractionalised nation - not an easy task taken our turbulent history into account. My only wish is that we had more leaders of your ability, personality, charisma, wisdom, diplomacy and charm in this world - then I am sure we would ahve overcome so many problems already. I count myself blessed that I had the opportunity to be a South African in the true sesne
of the word under your leadership and also thank God that you were able to see this country making the transition from oppression to freedom. You trule are the Father of the Nation and we and our children would do well to always remember what you stood for in the years to come. Have a blessed birthday and year and may we have the honour of having you with us for many more years! Thank you Tata.
Thys Ebersohn
Simonstown, South Africa
Dear Madiba, Best wishes on your birthday, and a special thankyou. Along with others you changed our country, but alone you changed me. Wishing you many, many more years with us with love
Stephen Whitehead
Randburg, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba!!! I am honoured and privileged to share this special day with you.. May your birthday be filled with health, wealth and happiness... Wishing you all the best and plenty plenty more!! You are truly a legend!!! One of the greatest
men to ever walk the earth...GOD BLESS!!!
Angie
Gauteng, South Africa
To the man who inspires the world: thank you for making us proud to be South African. Happy Birthday and God Bless.
The Singh Family
Suiderberg, Pretoria
We wish you a day of happiness on your birthday and much peace and joy for the future.
Josh, Laurine and Eric Miller
Cape Town, South Africa
Happy Birthday Tata, May the good Lord keep you, so you can still show us the way.
Yvonne Zodwa Masemola
Orlando East, Soweto, South Africa
Dear Madiba - You are an inspiration to all of us. We love you.
Elizabeth Pretorius
South Africa
The Delphic Oracle said, I was the wisest of all the Greeks. It is because that I Alone, Of all the Greeks know that I know Nothing. - Socrates, Happy 85th Birthday Mr Mandela & many
Happy, Healthy Blessed years ahead. God Bless
Mignon Phitides
Pretoria, South Africa
Happy Birthday, Tata Madiba, Thank you for everything you have done for the liberation of our people and for people across the globe.
Eugene, Cathy, Eunise and Christian Martin
Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela, Thank you for turning my country into a place that I am so proud to live in. Happy happy birthday! We love you so much and wish you excellent health, peace, happiness and lots of new schools for all your SA children that love you so much.
Anphia van Ellinckhuijzen
Pretoria, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba we thank God for your life
Mpho and Lydia Malambo
Chiawelo, South Africa
Dear Madiba, On this special day, I would firstly like to wish you all of God's special blessings on your birthday - may you remain strong
and healthy. Secondly, I would like to thank you for being such a wonderful example to all of us, not only in SA, but across the world.
Lynette Devenish
Johannesburg
A very happy 85th birthday. Wow! if I could be so sprite and jolly @ even 70 it would be great. Here's wishing you many more and looking forward to celebrating your 90th.
Ballot Family
Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa
May all our good wishes for your birthday give you strength and health for the years ahead. Thank you for all your actions for THE GREATER GOOD of this beautiful country, this continent and the rest of the world.
Angie Stegen
Durban, South Africa
Dear Mr. Mandela, Best wishes on your 85th birthday! You are one of the most admirable figures in the world and we would like to thank you for all that you have done for democracy in South-Africa - you make us proud to be South African Enjoy this
memorable day.
Alexandra and Wolf-Axel Schulze
Germany
Your smile encourages some of us, make us want to achieve even more. But most of all it brings love, hope, unity and warmth in the hearts of South Africans and the entire world. Long live Madiba...Happy birthday, Tata.
Isaac Maelane
Mpumalanga, Witbank, South Africa
To the greatest statesman the world over, thank you for the opportunities your fought hard for us to have. Happy birthday TATA!!!
Thabiso Rapetsana
Rustenburg, South Africa
Madiba, All the best for you on your 85th birthday. May God bless you with a wonderfull day. My daughter's birthday is the same day as yours and she is proud to tell her friends that she share her birthday with a great man as yourself. You are truly a great leader who derserves the respect you get from all walks of life. George de Villiers Port Elizabeth
What a honour to
be proud South African! Thank you for being our hero and loving this beautiful country and all its people. May God bless you always!
Raba
Upington, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba, Wishing you many more years to live and love us, Enjoy your day.
Vincent Lavhelani
Tshiawelo, South Africa
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The Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book:
