Dear Mr Mandela ...
Welcome to the official Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book, page 21
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.
Today! I woke up in a place that said: "I got a choice and I got a chance" and that's all because of you my hero, uTata. May our God bless you for us.
Mokone Tsiloane
Botshabelo, South Africa
Tata, happy birthday. We honour and appreciate what you did for S.A. Wish you what you deserve. May God Bless you.
Blessing Sithole
Meadowlands, Gauteng, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba, hope u see many more!
Danny Ragbeer
Durban, South Africa
Dear Mr. Mandela -
Happy Birthday! The citizens of this country have to be eternally greatful for the civil war and blood-bath that was avoided because of your great spiritual and humanitarian ability to creatively and compassionately turn everything around - away from all the negatives, anger, revenge and killing. Nobody in the world has managed that! I salute you as one of the truly humble greats of this world in turmoil.
Louise Heckl
Johannesburg, South Africa
To the man who has inspired and united a nation. Thank you for giving us back hope and pride in our beautiful country. We wish you a very happy birthday Madiba!
Sizwe Medical Services
Von Wielligh Str, Johannesburg, South Africa
For 27 years we could not celebrate together with you your birthday. We will celebrate it from the time you were released until eternity. We love and embrace you . Mini emnadi Tata.
Zimisele Nhlapo
Witpoortjie, Roodepoort,
South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba!
Rean Botha
Orkney, South Africa
You've been a great inspiration to me, knowing you has taught me to live life as it comes ...may you see many more years to come and be yourself we love you as you are...MKE SIBISI
Samukelisiwe Sibisi
Umlazi, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela, All the staff of the Baptist Union, Baptist Missions Department, BU Care, Womens Department and Baptist Youth want to wish you a most blessed birthday! We wish you peace, joy and love and a day to remember. "Of all earthly music, that which reaches the farthest into heaven is the beating of a truly loving heart!" (Henry Ward Beecher) You have a truly loving heart! May God continue to bless you richly in the year that lies ahead. "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." Psalm 145:18.
Baptist Union of SA
Roodekraans, South
Africa
May you have a wonderful birthday, dear Madiba. I am a history graduate and retired teacher and I am convinced that, apart from Our Lord, you are the most outstanding man that has ever lived. I am privileged to live in this new South Africa that you have created. God bless you!
Dorothy Ede
Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy Birthday Madiba! The world would have been poor without you. Ukhule ungakhokhobi.
Khumbula Mapu
Pretoria, South Africa
Happy Birthday Nelson, I thank God for giving us (SA) the son like you, you have changed our lives in so many ways. I admire you Bab'u Nelson and you are an inspiration to me. I am just wondering how would life be without you as you're our source of strength. I love you, Madiba. Long live, Rholihlahla.
Noncedo Sabane
Pretoria, South Africa
Go Madiba, it's your birthday, we're gonna party like it's your birthday! Happy Birthday, to
South Africa's greatest president.
Khyle and Brandy Pillay, Melissa and Marushka Laganparsad
Durban, South Africa
I'm thousands of miles away from home, in a strange country, somewhat lonely. However, I am glad to be part of a great nation, and I would fail in my Islamic obligation in not recognising what made this nation great. By the grace of the Most High, you Rolilhalha Nelson Mandela have played a monumental part. Madiba, proud son of Umzantsi Afrika, may the Most High make fruitful the remainder of your journey in this world. Happy 85th Birthday.
Ashraf Hendricks
Cape Town, South Africa
Dear Madiba, May God grant you a wonderful 85th birthday - and many years more. You are such an inspiration to us all - and I am humbled by your grace and kindness, and your forgiving spirit. If more of us can be like you, and learn from you, this country - indeed this world - will be a better place. I am so proud to be South African -
just because of you. Go well - with God's grace, and have a great day on the 18th July.
Margaret Sickle
Cape Town, South Africa
May you be truly blessed with health and enjoy a very special birthday. Thank you very much for what you've achieved benefiting everyone in our beautiful country. You're one very unique and special human being.
Suzette du Plessis
Pretoria, South Africa
Happy Birthday Madiba, you are a totally unique, wonderful person and a complete inspiration! Thank you for all the wonderful things you have done for our very special country. Take care of yourself.
Debbie Birt
Bryanston, Gauteng, South Africa
I always thank GOD to have someone like U in this country, someone who taught us to love, forgive, to be humble, to work hard, to be responsible, to be who we are and thank GOD for what we are. What I will ask GOD to bless U with for your big day, a wonderful big
present that U deserve, is to add 15 yrs more to live for us, 'cause U are A GREAT DADDY. And let HIM give U more strength, good health, strengthen your knees and walk like a 16 year old boy, and good sight, bless U more and more, with showers of happiness. GOD blesssss!!!
Joycie
Sunnyside, Pretoria, South Africa
Dear world freedom champion. Now I'm sitting in front of a computer which wasn't there in the past, all this is 'cause of u. U fought for us blacks, indians, whites etc so that we can be equal and i thank u for that, u spend most of your days behind bars for freedom we now enjoy. I wish you a happy birthday and GOD bless u so you can celebrate many more days like this. Halala MADIBA HALALA.
Tshepo Moagi
Tzaneen, Limpopo, South Africa
Mr Mandela, I just want to wish you a very happy 85th Birthday. And I am proud to say that the 18th of July is my birthday also! I must say that I am proud of you, for not
having hard or bitter feelings for the unreasonable way that you have been treated in the past. Congratulations! And may your spirit stay in this country for ever!
Ella Erasmus
Northern Province, South Africa
Congratulations on your 85th birthday. May your days to come be filled with tons of love and happiness. Thank you for what you have done for our country. You are and always will be a true inspiration to all of us. May God grant you many more wonderful years with us, insha-allah.
Kothar Emeran
Cape Town, South Africa
Dearest Mandela, Happy Birthday ... thank you for being an inspiration to us all. Power to you and MWASA. Please come and save me, I'm being oppressed.
Farhana Ismail
Durban, South Africa
Madiba, I was a little girl when I first heard about you. You were released from prison on my birthday the 11th February and I sat glued to the TV waiting to see this man that was supposed
to have caused soo much havoc in our country. How proud I was of you when I first glimpsed you that day, such a humble and beautiful person. You are a great humanitarian and I am very proud to be a South African that was under your rule. You teach us to be very humble but proud at the same time. God Bless you on this historic day.
Sheridan Crawford
Durban, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela, You are a humble man who has done great things. And, in doing great things, you remind us of the infinite value and potential of humanity. As we celebrate your birthday, we are reminded of how far we have come down the road to Justice, and how far we have yet to go. On behalf of all South African attorneys, we wish you great joy on this, your 85th birthday. May you continue to remind us of the greatness that lies inside us all.
Susan Abro and Edward Ngubane, Co-chairpersons
Law Society of South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela, We congratulate you on
your birthday and sincerely hope that your health is such that you can be an example for lots of leaders and others all over the world for many more years.
Ruud and Ans Evers
Nieuwegein, Holland
Happy birthday to South Africa's most written about star.
Independent Newspapers employees
Durban, South Africa
You have made us a proud people and I thank you for that. I hope that you have a wonderful birthday and that God spares you for many years. You are very special. God bless you!
Lynne Hayes
Johannesburg, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela, Happy birthday! What a great pleasure and honor it has been and still is to follow you with the best example in the world regarding respect, understanding and engagement for the lives of other people - people all over the world, regardless of their background, sex, culture, belief and race.
Stanneke Jacobs
Amsterdam, The
Netherlands
Khula Tata ungakhokhobi wanga uThixo wobaw'omkhulu anganawe kuba sisafuna amava kuwe nkonde yakokwethu. Kulo mbele ubhonxileyo sisafuna ukwanya. ndikunqwenelela amathamsanqa neentsikelelo kwimihla yokuphila kwakho. Enkosi
Nonkululo Balele
Maclear, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Happy birthday tata, you will forever be an inspiration to us and more generations to come. Your name will forever be synonymous with greatness, grace, wisdom and ubuntu. You are more than just royalty. You are beyond humanity. May you live up to 185 years. Ube nemini emnandi ngomso nhlanhla nqoko
Revonia
Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy bithday to you, we love you. Many, many more!
Marie Ehlers
Roodepoort, Gauteng, South Africa
On behalf of the Principal, staff and learners at Greenside High School, we congratulate you on your 85th
birthday. May you blessed with good health and happiness. Greenside High School Greenside, Johannesburg
Dear Madiba,,,Wishing you everything of the best on your 85th. May you always be an inspiration to our youth of integrity and humility and may we always continue to learn great lessons from you.
Monja de Jager
Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa
Dearest Madiba, this is to wish you all the health and goodness you so richly deserve on this special day. I pray that all South Africans walk in your footsteps and make this remarkable country an example to the world.
Cheryl Reyneke
Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa
Very happy and wonderful wishes for you on your birthday. I wish that I will be half the person you are at your age. You lived your life to the fullest (with all it's ups and downs) but still came out a strong, humble person. HAPPY BIRHTDAY, MADIBA
Elwina Daniels
Sunnyside, Pretoria,
Gauteng, South Africa
We thank God for you. A lot of things have been achieved. Happy 85 Birthday!
Mr & Mrs Tshangwani
Danville, South Africa
Happy Birthday, Madiba! May God Bless you! Our country is truly blessed to have you, Madiba - "You're simply the best!"
Niree Subrayen
Lenasia South, South Africa
All the best to the best leader and statesman the world has ever known!
Nicholas
Sandton, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela, a special birthday wish for such a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
McFarlane Safaris
Hoedspruit, South Africa
Tata I wish you a wonderful and relaxing birthday, and hope you have many more to come, I thank you for believing in us, and fighting the battle for us, we are where we are because of you and for that I'll forever be greatful to the Lord for giving you to us. Imini
Emnandi Madiba.
Nomsa Molefe
Dobsonville (Soweto), South Africa
Happy birthday Dr. Mandela. Thanks for the role you play to free our country. Because of your wisdom we now able to study at any instution in SA. I'm very happy that our school is named after your name. On behalf of students in this institution I'll like to say THANK YOU. bayanda Umlazi
Mr Mandela, I never thought that someone could have such an impact on my attitude to my country. You have made me proud to be South African!! I hope you have a truly wonderful birthday!
Janine Morrissey
Gauteng, South Africa
May you have many more years to come. Thanx for what you have done for us; not only South Africans but the rest of the whole world. VIVA MANDELA VIVA.
Mokaedi Petso
Mafikeng, South Africa
Have a wonderful birthday!
CJ
United States
God creates miracles and you
are one of those. When I was growing in the 90s we use to sing mandela freedom is in your hand, show us the way to freedom in this land of apartheid. You not only brought freedom in South Africa but in the whole world and I love you for that. You are the chosen one of God to bring peace in this world and I pray that God should bless you for who you are in/to this world. Happy birthday and long live madiba
Lufuno Tshikalange
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
God's richest blessings Madiba - you are an inspiration to mankind. Thank you for everything that you have done for South Africa and its people. Happy birthday and many, many, many more.....
Linda le Roux
Primrose, Germiston, South Africa
Wishing you joy and happiness on your birthday and through the year. All the best
Simone Shall
Johannesburg, South Africa
Madiba, May GOD bless you and keep you healthy. You are an
inspiration to all South Africans. Have a happy birthday.
John, Karen, Angelique, Kim, Jude and Kristin Van Der Byl
Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba. GODS richest blessings and may you be blessed with good health, enjoy your day.
Eyssen family
Brackenfell, South Africa
Happy birthday O Great One. May the year ahead be the greatest.
Ann Gillies
Florida, South Africa
Mr Mandela, I am six yrs old. I told my mum to send u a special birthday message for me": HAPPY BIRTHDAY, we love you !!!!!
Chivaan Brijlal
Durban, South Africa
Dear Madiba, thank you for being an inspiration to the human race! I wish you love, peace, happinness AND many many more birthdays to come!
Jothi Singh
Durban, South Africa
As you cross 85, and the pains of growth catch up with you, and you can't see well,
and you can't walk straight, do not despair for yours has been well done. You have given us something to be all proud of. May somewhere, someone like you be born and continue to change the course of history.
Tshepo Mpshe
Brits, South Africa
Happy Birthday Madiba. Thank you for being the father of our Nation. May God give you good health. Enjoy your day.
Urvarshi Rajcoomar
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Happy Happy Birthday. May God grace you with many more years.
Pamela Corrans
Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy 85th birthday Mr Mandela. God bless you abundantly. Thank you for all that you have done for our country.
Wayne & Ryan le Roux
Primrose, Germiston, South Africa
Dear Madiba, You have helped so many of us achieve our dreams. You have opened doors for us, and best of all, you fought for what you believed in. Although we all
strive to go and stay in another country oneday, all our hearts will be in South Africa. You created the NEW South Africa, and I am happy for that. Please enjoy your 85th Birthday and may God Bless You!
Rickus
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
I hope that on this special day you realize exactly how much you mean to us, how far we've come with your help. And I hope you are still around for many more, because i don't think we'd know what to do without you! Best regards!
Jacki de Sousa
Cape Town, South Africa
May God bless you mightily on this your special birthday
Janet Mackay
Cape Town, South Africa
Happy birthday oupa mandela, may GOD bless you with good health. Enjoy your day.
Paulse Family
Northpine, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela, Happy 85th Birthday to a truly wonderful man. I am honoured to share My Birthday (51 years) with you Mr
Mandela. Happy Birthday to both of us. I hope you have a joyful, happy, day with your close family and friends, the whole of SA and the world will be celebrating with you.
Joan Thompson
Johannesburg, South Africa
Hello Madiba! Happy 85th Birthday! I pray that God will spare you to see many more and I thank Him for blessing this country with a trully remarkable and special man like u. I hope u have a wonderful day.
Leanne
Cape Town, South Africa
This is the first time I feel like I came close to actually talking to you, even if I have never seen you in flash and blood I'm not only honoured to write you this but very proud you mean every thing to South Africa and also the world. You deserve all the best I wish a wonderful birthday may God save you for us for years to come.
Mpho Tjiane
Pretoria, South Africa
Madiba, I wish you a happy birthday, hope you have a great day and year.
Thank you for being a role model for South Africa and it's people.
Carina Beukes
Grabouw, Western Cape, South Africa
Happy birthday to you, tata mandela. Have many, many more. You have done so much for our country, we love you very much!!!!
Winnet Mamphaga
Roodepoort, South Africa
Dear Tata; I am proud and honoured to share a birthday with you. I am 11yrs old. Have a wonderful and great day. I love you.
Lameez Le Roux
Belhar, Cape Town, South Africa
Dear Dr Mandela, I wish you a very peaceful and fulfilled day and long life for I am truly proud that our country has been graced with you.
Feroz Swalaha
Durban, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba. May all your dreams and wishes come true. God bless. PS - You and I share a birthday, making you even more special to me. Have a wonderful celebration.
Amanda Dawood
Cape
Town, South Africa
May the mighty God bless you on your birthday, coz you never gave up when you had a lot to do even under difficult circumstances. O gole o gole Tata.
Reginald Mokoena
Sunnyside, Pretoria, South Africa
Halala halala Madiba, Tata. You have my life with your humanity and sense of embracing others. May God and our ancestors shower your days with happiness and love. And to Mandela family, thank you for sharing your father with us. Ke go lakaletsa matlhatsi le matlhohonolo ka letsatsi la gago la matswalo. Pula
Lesiba Mosue
Tshwane, South Africa
Dearest Madiba, Happy Birthday to you; a man who touches lives with your humility and courage. You have left your mark in this world; and continue to inspire people even in your old age. I'm a young woman now and I'll be sure to tell my future children all about this great man who was so instrumental in making South Africa a better
place for all of us. Thank you for all you have done. You have definitely touched my life and I will never forget you.
Faeeza Khan
Fourways, Johannesburg, South Africa
Mr Mandela baie geluk met u verjaarsdag mag die Here u nog baie jare spaar vir Afrika. Ons is baie lief vir u.
Amanda
Despatch, South Africa
Veels geluk liefste Madiba, omdat jy verjaar! Mag die Here jou seen en nog baie jare spaar!
Elisabeth Nortje
Johannesburg, South Africa
Dear Madiba, Happy 85th birthday! You're an inspiration to everybody who knows of -y our integrity and perseverence affect people all over the world. I wish for you and the world that you enjoy several more birthdays!
Ira Dounn
New Jersey, USA
Happy birthday standwa se nhliziyo yami, uyi sibonelwa kithi......ube ne siku elimnandi.
Sbongile Mahange
Soweto, Meadowlands, South
Africa
"Service isn't a big thing. It's a Million little things." Thank you for inspiring us by all the million little and big things you have done, are still doing and will do in future years. We learned from you that service to others is not a big thing, but in many little things, done with love. Elbert Hubbard said, "Love grows by giving. The love we give away is the only love we keep. The only way to retain love is to give it away." You must be filled to the brim with love, because you give it away so generously, especially to the youth! Happy Birthday, Madiba! We wish you only the best on your 85th birthday, health, happiness, prosperity and love.
The Principal, Staff and Learners of Goudveld-Hoërskool
Welkom, South Africa
It is said that - out of sight, out of mind. But you never forgot your people, so sayings can be tested! You have my joy in the celebration of your birthday. Happy Birthday
TaTa.
David Malakwana
Soweto, South Africa
God's richest blessings on your 85th birthday. May he grant you good health for the years to come.
Hendricks family
Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, South Africa
Happy Birthday Tat'u Mandela. Not only are you my hero, but my greatest source of insiration. If it weren't for you, I would not be where I am today. I thank God for blessing our nation with a great leader like you. You are "all that!" Enjoy your day and may you be blessed with great joy.
Ziyanda Manzana
King Williams Town, South Africa
Kuyimincili nakum ukufumana elithuba lokuthi usuku olumnandi lokuzalwa. UThixo akwandisele intsuku zako emhlabeni ukuze uyifeze iminqweno yenkedama nge nkedama ezithembele kuwe. "Halala Madiba Halala"
Simphiwe Ngejane
Lawley
Dear Nelson, Happy birthday Madiba, have a splendid birthday. It is excellent to know
that even if times of distress you are always there to lend a hand and a kind word to all and for that we thank you and wish you all the best.
Sue Govender
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Happy Birthday Madiba! May God be with you!
Gloria
Durban, South Africa
Happy Birthday for a great man
Janus van Dongen
Holland
I just want to wish Tata Madiba a very happy birthday. Not only South Africans, but the people all over the world are celebrating with you.
Mgcini Mpanza
Malaysia
Mr. Mandela. May the love of God be with you in the next year to come. We wish you good health and happiness.
Venter family
Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa
You are the president of all nations, the father of the universe. Happy birthday!
Mosa Selae
Botswana
South Africa lost so much of your
time. Your years in the presidency were a treasure to behold. Enjoy the day sir, you deserve it.
Dirk McCormack
Happy Birthday I pray that you will remain a living example that teaches others to grow constructively from their experiances in life. May God grant you to realise all your dreams for our nation in your lifetime. You have truly shown how to build a firm foundation using the bricks that were thrown at you. God Bless and keep you
Allan Henry
Retreat, Cape Town, South Africa
Ke ho lakaletsa mahlohonolo letsatsing la hao la tswalo. A Modimo a re bolokele wena. Bophelo bo botle ntatemoholo wa bana kaofela. Sabata
Mpho Mokae
Tshwane, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba, my you live to be a 100 + and have good times. Thanks for everything.
Christine
Roodepoort, South Africa
You are simply father of the Nation. Happy birthday
TaTa!!!
Vincent Phemelo
Florida, South Africa
I would to like to give you a big thank you for all you have done for this wonderful country of ours! Wishing you a very very happy birthday, may your year ahead be filled with joy and love.
Patricia Meredith
Cape Town, South Africa
Dear Madiba, Thanks for everything you have done for our country. I'm truly proud to have lived during this time of in South African history. Being born in 1948 I never thought I would see the apartheid abolished in my life time. Thanks to you, and many others, my children and your children will never have to live in an unnatural society. Many happy returns and may you have many more.
Alan Levine
Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy birthday Mandela, I pray to God every day and thank him for bringing you into our lives and liberating us and enjoy your day and may God grant you good health
Busi
Makahya
Pietermaritzburg
Long live Madiba Long live. I thank God for the person you are. We thank God for your life. Be strong as you receive the 86th year as a gift from the most high. Ee celebrate with you. Ngamana ungaphila imihla eliwaka.
L. September
Durban, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba. May you have many more. You are my hero and mentor.
Kanthan Naidoo
Lenasia, Gauteng
Happy Birthday Madiba. Wishing you good health, wealth and prosperity. God be with you.
Kantha Sydney
Lenasia South, Gauteng, South Africa
Thank you for being who you are. May your life be filled with good health and happiness! We love you.
Charles, Dianne, Peter and Olympia Angelopulo
Pretoria, South Africa
Happy Birthday!! Thank you for doing so many great things for this beautiful country!! Wishing you best wishes for your
year ahead!!
Diane
Durban, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba, you are one of a kind!
Colin
Randburg, South Africa
Halala Tata Wethu sonke Halala .......... we wish you a blessed day becuase you deserve it. We thank you for the meaningful contribution you made in our lives personally, not becuase you knew us, but because you had us in mind. Thank God for you and what you are. We wish you many more to come although we are not quite sure how many. but 200 more is not asking for much. We love you tata.
Khulu Snr, Khulu Jnr and Tebogo Dhlamini
Winchester Hills, South Africa
Gods richest blessings on your 85th birthday. Wishing you many more.
Harris family
Thornton, South Africa
May you be blessed with good health in the years you may be granted by our Almighty God happy birthday dear MADIBA
Dalena Olivier
Richards Bay, South
Africa
Madiba we are what we are today because of your bravery. Happy Birth Day
Peter Rakoto
Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
Best wishes for your birthday. Thank you for dedication and percervence for protecting the rights of children and people infected and affected by hiv/aids. Have a wonderful day
Lawyers for Human Rights
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
The son of Africa, an inspiration to all. You are the father of South Africa, may you have a wonderful birthday and many more years to come.
Samkelo
Zone 10, Sebokeng, South Africa
Other countries only have Royals. We have MADIBA! Thanks for all your love and please accept ours.
Anita
Kimberley, South Africa
Tata, it was because of you that I chose to be an attorney at an early age. Just by learning about you and the justice that you stood and still stand for, I
have learned to lead a selfless life. I feel very fortunate to exist at the same time as you. I am sure that The Lord also has a wonderful place for you up there and whenever you decide to go there for a rest be well assured that the heavens will roar with jubilation. I admire you so much. You will remain my source of strength and inspiration. My dream and wish is to meet and shake hands with you someday. I will be participating in the Blue IQ Marathon on Sunday, which has been arranged for both the celebration of your birthday and the opening of a bridge that has been deservedly named after you, your excellency. I am not a professional athlete and my participation in the race was influenced by my wish to meet and shake hands with you. Tata, may you enjoy your birthday to the fullest.
Lesley Matsi
Polokwane, South Africa
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The Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book:
