Dear Mr Mandela ...
Welcome to the official Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book, page 5
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.
Madiba - happy birthday to the greatest unemployed pensioner in the world. God Bless Tata
Tim and Jacqui Hadingham
London
Happy birthday Madiba, to the most GRACIOUS man in the world. I only wish I could be back home to join in the celebrations all over the country. May you have many more. Love and god bless.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Carolyn Cameron
Liverpool, England
Today I'm proud to be South African. The fact that you fought for freedom in this country makes it
even special. As you turn 85 I'd like say HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADIBA, I hope to meet you one of these days!
Lawrence Twala
Soweto, South Africa
Dear Madiba, I wish you a peaceful and happy birthday. You have been like a father to most of us. As for all the great things you have done, I thank you personally. Just try and take some time off, you also need to rest.
Sam
Pretoria, South Africa
Happy Birthday Tata. May you enjoy your big day, and may the Lord keep you for many more years. You are the World's Greatest, Larger than Life yet humble. MADIBA!
Thabo Selepe
Saladanha Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
South Africa has never been so blessed to have you as her liberator. Long live Madiba!
Prinsloo Ngobeni
Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa
Happy Birthday to the greatest legend and inspiration of my time.
Love
Ashleigh Hunt-Kemp
London
You're one in a million.
Nomvula
Sunnyside, Pretoria, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba, you are an icon to all of us. Help bring more peace in Burundi and other war-torn African countries.
Maurice Kong'ong'o
Tanga, Tanzania
Happy 85th Birthday, you are the greatest statesman I have known. Keep strong, we need more like you.
Bhekinkosi Moyo
Wits University, Johannesburg, South Africa
Our dearest Tata - This is to a very happy birthday. You make us all proud of being South African and to be alive at this point in our history. Your selfless contributions and dedication to the children of all walks of life in South Africa inspire us all. Happy Birthday Madiba and may you see many more! And may God bless you!
Penny Dlamini
Yeoville, Johannesburg, South
Africa
How I wish you can grow young, however, I think God has kept you thus far for us. I wish you the best of life, Tata. Kula u ringana na ndlopfu!
Steven Ngobeni
N'wamitwa, Limpopo, South Africa
Your life and commitment to the struggle of our people are a source of inspiration to us and the generations to come. You are the father of our nation. I wish you were turning 58yrs. Love u Tata.
Jan Sethosa
Bela-Bela, Limpopo, South Africa
Happy birthday big papa, keep in mind that you mean a lot to people. May God add more years on your calendar, I love you.
Jane
Rwanda
May you see many more. Thank you for everything that you've done for ordinary South Africans.
Phumelele
Gauteng, South Africa
Mnr Mandela, God se rykste seëen word u toegewens. Mag u nog lank gespaar
bly vir ons hier in SA.
Elize
Mpumalanga, South Africa
Wishing you a very happy 85th birthday Tata!!! You have been an inspiration to all people who have come to hear about and know you. I pray that God will bless you for many more years to come. Happy Birthday. Love
Lebo Sebesho
Pretoria, South Africa
Happy birthday Madiba. May God give you many, many more years. You have done so well for our country. I am very proud of you. Really, you are the leader, an example to the whole world and also a role model to follow. Thank you for your life and ideas. Have a happy day. God bless you!
Funeka Ntshiyane
Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Madiba, You mean the world to the world. Happy birthday and I definitely want you around for another 85 years. God bless.
Lorraine Nieveldt
Yeoville, Johannesburg, South
Africa
Dear Mr Mandela I see you as figure of tremendous wisdom which was bred over time, you are truly an example of a person who listens closely to the will and voice of the Father. May I follow the same route ... (P.S. Please pray for my child. Her name is Femke) Happy Birthday ...
Conrad van Wyk
Nelspruit, South Africa
With thanks for everything you have done to restore South Africa to a place of pride in the world. Best wishes
Mike Preston
Dubai/ Spain
Dear Mr Mandela, my very best wishes for you! May you stay in good health. With the greatest respect for your work and wisdom.
Daniel Jakubowski
Hamburg, Germany
Ore golotse lefatsheng la bokgoba ba apartheid. Your leadership style teaches your followers to be tolerant, and your foes commonsense. Your assertive attack on Bush about Iraq and, later, praising
him about making available $15-billion to fight AIDS, only confirms that you are playing the ball not the man.
Seipei, Kutlwano and Thato Kgantshi
Soweto, South Africa
Happy Birthday MADIBA!!! You are indeed our "MAGNUM OPUS" - the greatest inspiration of all time!
Fatima Rahiman and Faizel Boorany
Crosby, Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy birthday, Tata Madiba, May the Almighty Good Lord bless you and may you live longer!
Hulisani Muloiwa
Makhado, Northern Province, South Africa
Dear Nelson Mandela, I would like to wish you the most wonderful birthday. You have been such an inspiration to so many people. When people hear I am a South African, they all say Nelson Mandela, what a great man! I am so proud that you are such a powerful representation of the South African people and of me. Thank you. Have a wonderful birthday.
Juli
Perold
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
May all your dreams for yourself and South Africa come true! God Bless you! Happy Birthday.
Lynnette Snyman
Brackenhurst, South Africa
Happy birthday, Tata Madiba. May God spare your life for many years to come.
Eric Junior Bopalamo
Alexandra Township, South Africa
On this birthday, wishing you the best life has to offer. Wishing you many, many more years of good health. You are the person I most respect in life.
Sterna van der Walt
Paarl, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela Wishing you a very happy 85th Birthday. May God grace you with many more healthy, happy years - you are an inspiration to us all!
The Bergh's
Pretoria, South Africa
You've been a mentor, father and a friend to all. We are all fortunate to be influenced by
what you've done so well. We are where we are today because of you. With every year that passes, we grow to appreciate the knowledge you have passed on to us. We consider it an honour and privilege to have a person like you in our country. Happy 85th birthday and may you have many, many more. Cordially and with great respect,
Mpho Marwala
Shayandima, South Africa
Dearest Madiba, wishing you the happiest of birthdays ever and may you have many more. God bless!
Belinda Gehlig
Edenvale, Johannesburg
Madiba Happy Birthday Madiba. You have made South Africa a great country to live in. Madiba, children were not recognised before you became president of our country. Happy Birthday Tata
Mabutho Sithole
Mpumalanga, South Africa
Happy Birthday Mr Mandela!! Without your tolerance, forgiveness and love of South Africa, the country would not be in
the prosperous position it is in right now. You are a true legend, a wonderful human being. First reason I am proud to be South African = Nelson Mandela is South African!! Thank you.
Jason Cumming
Hurlingham, Sandton, South Africa
Ukhule u khokhobe Tata. Kha vha hule Tata. We all love you. Have a great day!
Clive and Dipuo
Pretoria, South Africa
Happy birthday Tata, have many more days to lead us.
Chris Kgantshi
Soweto, South Africa
Happy Birthday Madiba. Thank you for dedicating your life to freedom for all - you are first among equals!
Linda Barron
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Madiba, you are an inspiration to me every day of my life. I thank God that I have witnessed your generosity, your love and your humbleness. I wish you health, peace and happiness.
Anso Thom
Cape Town,
South Africa
Dear Tata, if I had one wish, it would be to wish that you live many more years coming. We still need people like you, especially in South Africa. We (youth) are very proud of you. May the Lord be with you. Happy Birthday...
Khathu Mainganya
Soweto, Johannesburg
Happy birthday Madiba. Thank you for your belief in South Africa
Andre and Sebastian and Anne
Brussels
Dear Madiba, wishing you a blessed birthday. Thank you for being the person you are. You are a constant source of inspiration to me. Have a blessed day, and may the year ahead be filled with everything your heart desires.
Simone Grobler
Pretoria, South Africa
I remember when you were a political prisoner and Olusegun Obasanjo was a head of state trying to get you out. Then Obasanjo was a political prisoner and you were a head of
state trying to get him out. You have done so much good for the world, I wish you could live forever. Bless you.
John Philips
Hirosaki, Japan
Happy Birthday Tata. I feel honoured to share the air we breathe with you. Words cannot explain how grateful I am for the sacrifices you made for us. My 3 year old daughter reminds me every time that Umandela u wami. May you see many many more. My family and I wish you good health. I thank you.
Mpho Baudu
Soweto, South Africa
To the greatest South African of all time, you are THE person that is keeping South Africa together. Happy Birthday Mr Mandela. You make me proud to be South African!
Ashwin Sewnath
Dundee, Scotland
Dear Mr Mandela, when I was a child I heard that Nelson Mandela was a bad person, a communist, a terrorist. Thank you for teaching us what it means to be human. Your kindness,
forgiveness, humility and wisdom are an inspiration to our troubled world. May you be blessed with good health, love and peace in your golden years!
Anri van der Westhuizen
Pretoria, South Africa
Dearest Mr President. For years I hoped to get the opportunity to communicate with you. I wish that I might meet you one day. May your day be filled with love, and I wish you God’s richest blessings on this your 85th birthday. Congratulations. P.S. My niece is also celebrating her birthday on the 18th. Love you tons.
Bridget
Pretoria, South Africa
I am happy and proud to have someone like you in this world! Wish you a long life in peace and love!
Yoko Miyata
Switzerland
Happy birthday Papa, the world and SA are a better place because of your fortitude and magnanimity.
Morgan Leshabane
The Willows, Pretoria, South
Africa
I hope you have many more healthy years ahead of you.
Jenny Hatton
Emmarentia, Johannesburg, South Africa
Have a great 85th birthday and you are the best from all of Australia
Luke Traynor
Australia
I wish there could be many Rolihlahla's out there 2 lead our country with such wisdom and love. Happy birthday Tata!
Eddie Malaka
Doornpoort, Pretoria, South Africa
Happy Birthday to you! Just wanted to say that you are such a remarkable man! And you are truly a God-sent individual to mankind. I have always admired you, and I'm sure you are truly blessed by the grace of God for your compassion, love, righteousness among many other extraordinary characteristics, and I am sure God is really proud of you and it makes him really happy to see that he has such a great child in this world and someone who lives up to his
expectations of how we all should be. I hope that some day I will be able to help people even 1/10th of how you have, and even touch at least one person's life ... Happy Birthday again! Hope you have a wonderful one and many more to come. God bless you!
Eshna Narayan Dass
Gauteng, South Africa
Happy Birthday Madiba. You have been an incredible inspiration and helped save the country we all hold dear. God Bless.
Bridget Penney
Wellington, New Zealand
Happy birthday Madiba. I will always look upon your deeds as a source of inspiration to achieve the impossible. God bless you on this great day of yours.
David Jobe Morudu
Mamelodi, South Africa
I wish you all the best, Madiba, hoping that God will add more years to your life. You are a humble heavyweight champion of the world and I love you very much.
Samora Masiela
Pretoria, South
Africa
You went to prison when I was a wee baby … you left when I became a woman. I love you like a father and you are my inspiration. Happy Birthday Daddy Mandela Long Live and One Love
Joy Reid
Kingston, Jamaica/ Toronto, Canada
Mr President, congratulations on behalf of myself and my daughters Zinzi and Zenani. This is a profound moment for all of us, knowing that South Africa has produced such magnificent products as you. Your courage and sacrifice is beyond description and your gallant deeds continue to echo in our minds. "Jealously" we also notice that you have become not only an asset for South Africa, but also for the world. It is this greatness that will inspire us to continue, as your fellow inmate at Robben Island the late Hennie Ferus taught me at the age of sixteen, "That your moral integrity will ignite all of us to become real ambassadors of goodwill and courage". Happy
birthday.
Juan, Zinzi and Zenani
Worcester, South Africa
Happy birthday Tata, may you see many more. You are a man of courage, peace & hope. We all love you, Tata. God Bless.
Nombuso Tshabalala
Vosloorus, South Africa
Hi, Baba Africa! Long, long, long live Mandela-Baba wetu!!!
Ernesto Kiasy
Luanda, Angola
May the Lord continue to bless you, Tata! Happy Birthday!!
Leo Mlambo
Pretoria, South Africa
Happy birthday, Mr Mandela. May God bless you. Thank you for being a blessing to so many.
Susan du Toit
Johannesburg, South Africa
Dear Madiba, Fond birthday wishes to a true inspiration in my life. May you be blessed on this special day. Warm regards,
Justine Wobbe
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
I would like to say
happy birthday Qhawe lama Qhawe. I wish the Lord could keep you for the next coming 20yrs because without your love & caring some people won't survive, they still need you. Halala Madiba, hope you have a wonderful day. Chauw
Phumzile Radebe
Soweto, South Africa
PHILA NGONAPHAKADE MADIBA KUDE KUBE SEPHAKADENI.
Bongani Gxilishe
Cape Town, South Africa
Molo Tata! I can't imagine this world without you, my wish is to see you live more years so we can have a better world to live in just because of you. Many happy returns. Every day is your birthday to me because I acknowledge you, always. Happy birthday TATA!!
Zamo Mvubelo
Leslie, South Africa
Baba: I thank you for setting an example of discipline and determination! May you always walk in God's shadow. Respectfully, CRW
Chaun
Memphis,
USA
Rolihlahla great son of the soil; your achievements are our achievements. Long live Madiba.
Hendrick Makaneta
Hammanskraal, South Africa
Happy Birthday! You are an inspiration. Whenever I'm struggling, I rejuvenate myself by remembering that you spent 26 years awaiting justice. Thank you and the happiest of birthdays to you.
Julie Beynon
Vancouver, Canada
Happy Birthday Madiba.
Susan Jahme
Jeffrey's bay
To the Greatest Man in the world, you are the best. May you have many more smiling years ahead.
Phillip Rosslee
New Zealand
I'm truly blessed for having been led by a great statement like you. You've always carried our dignity as a people. We'll forever be indebted to you, Madiba.
Dumisani Khumalo
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South
Africa
THANK YOU. :) Lots of hugs!
Jessica Grace Weston
Box Hill, Melbourne, Australia
To my Brother, mentor, hero and friend, you truly represent the best of what it means to Afrikan!!! Thank you so much for serving as a positive role model for the world. I wish you many more positive and productive years. Peace and Many Blessings,
Bediaku and Nana Efua
Brooklyn, New York, USA
Dear President Mandela: I wish you the most wonderful of birthdays. Thank you for what you have done for South Africa (a feat I did not expect to see in my lifetime) and the world. As a Jamaican living in the USA, I'm especially conscious of your accomplishments. May God continue to bless you and grant you many more birthdays.
Pauline Graham Binder
USA
Dear Moses, in fact, people like you are not common in Africa, because you have laid
a good foundation for we Africans. I say congratulations to Papa and the whole of Africa. Happy birthday to our hero Nelson Mandela, a man of knowledge and courage. In Jesus’ name may you live long to see your great grandchildren, Amen. Baba, hear this, you are my role model and my hero and I will tell my generation what you have done in South Africa. I, Americana born in Nigeria, saying EMI YIN A SE PUPO LAYE O BABA. AMIN ASE EDUNMARE.
Femi Bamidele
USA
Happy birthday Madiba. You're a true hero to all people of African descent and will forever remain a role model for our generation. Wishing you many more wise years to come.
Abdul Lamin
Washington, DC
I pray that you live to celebrate your centenary birthday.
Uwaoma Charlie
Berea, Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy Birthday Mr President, indeed you are an honourable man of Africa. I wish you
many more joyous birthdays to come. Stay happy and enjoy the occasion!
Bryant S. Kulee
Minnesota, USA
A very Happy Birthday to you!!
Rajesh Pathania
Cardiff, UK
All the best, we love you.
Glensuz
Amsterdam
Heureux anniversaire et longue vie au grand homme
Vincent Garrigues
Paris, France
Many blessings to you on your birthday, Madiba. May you remain among us to guide us for many years to come.
Eve Vosloo
Cape Town, South Africa
Madiba, My family and I wish you happy birthday. We hope that lord give you lot of years to continue light African people and world. Many thanks for all.
Parfait
Paris, France
Happy Birthday My Leader. My birthday is also July 18. Thank you for continuing to be the constant force for freedom
and justice for all. God continue to bless you and keep you. Your forever Son and Student Eric Thomas
Eric Thomas
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Happy Birthday Nelson we have just done a mini project on you and you are really cool. Thanks! P.S. Can you send me a e-mail of your autograph please. From
Scott Baxter
Newcastle, England
Dear Madiba, you are one of the reasons I, a Swede married to a South African, now am proud to be part of this country. You are an amazing man! May you live to beat all the records for the longest living person as I don't want to see this world without you. We need more people with your ability to love and forgive. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Johanna Neate
Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy birthday TATA I hope God can keep you much longer than 85yrs coz you mean a lot you young people, especially me. You are the man of peace.
Khula njalo nje!!!!
Thobeka Mbunjana
Cato Manor, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Happy Birthday Madiba. You have inspired all of us who have cherished the ideals of a non-racial, democratic, non-sexist, unitary South Africa. Some of us were not even born when you were languishing in the apartheid dungeon. This did not deter us to be associated with you and your organisation, the ANC. Your life and your commitment to the struggle of our people are a source of inspiration to us and the generations to come. You are the father of our nation, a selfless leader, gallant fighter and a hero. Hahona ya tshwanang le wena.
Kennedy Mahlatsi
Vaalpark, Sasolburg, South Africa
Best wishes to a great inspirator
Mo Jallow
UK
Mnr Mandela, Veels geluk met die herdenking van u 85ste verjaarsdag. Baie dankie vir die wonderlike voorbeeld wat u vir ons stel. Baie dankie
dat u ons kom leer het van verdraagsaamheid en liefde vir mekaar. Dankie dat u en u organisasie alle inwoners in ons mooi land BEVRY het. Mag die beste van die mooiste sëeninge u deel wees in die komende jaar!
Ina Stoltz
Potchefstroom, South Africa
Mister Président, it is an honor for me to talk to you, through this mail. You might be surprised but you are the most popular Président in Africa, and I'm very sorry that you resigned so early, but I can understand that, as a symbol of wisdom, this was the only alternative. Well that is life. Mister Président we miss you and I pray that the Lord give you a very long life, good health and lots of felicity.
Francis Gueye
Dakar, Senegal
May you see many more years Tata. You are an inspiration to all of humanity.
Seshoane Khulu Masitha
Cape Town, South Africa
God is great you have shown the whole world
that black people are not racist at all by your pardon over all the wrong treatments you experienced in your life. Shame on whoever think on racism. LONG LIFE::: there are people who still need you in this world black and white together.
George Lukusa Tshamala
Munich, Germany
I was born and raised upon the breast of Mama Africa. I see things from an African perspective and an open mind. I will stay black and be black; till God come. God bless you Tata Mandela: your kind only get born once in a lifetime.
Dennis Klaasen
Montana, Cape Town, South Africa
Long healthy life and lots of relaxation and reflection - you are my hero because you are the best leader qhawe lamaqhawe!
Sindiswa Nokwindla
Boksburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Have a great day! Please take off from work. I promise to have some wonderful chocolate cake to celebrate your birthday! Stay
well.
Saguna Gordhan
Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy 85th Birthday and may you enjoy many more. Thank you for the inspiration you have given to me, to all South Africans and to all the citizens of the world. With deepest regards,
Michael McDonald
Johannesburg, South Africa
You have shown the power of positive thinking, perseverence and not losing your focus and goal even when faced with the worst situations in the world. You also have shown the power of forgiveness to the nation. Ukhule kodwa ungakhokhobi Madiba omde.
Fundiswa Booi
Pretoria, South Africa
Baie geluk aan 'n baie besonderse mens wat nog 'n jaar vir ons Suid-Afrikaners gespaar is! U lewe sal altyd as 'n baken van vrede en hoop in hierdie land wees. Geniet die dag en mag u 'n fantastiese jaar beleef!
Laetitia Visagie
Pretoria, South
Africa
Happy birthday to a wonderful man, may God always be with you.
Jane
Bahamas
Happy Birthday Oupa Madiba.
Thea Eksteen
Gauteng, South Africa
i feel sorry for you because you had to sit next to Beckham.
Matty
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Sir, I could eulogize infinitely about your many great qualities - you are an inspiration to every one of us. I want to thank you for your courage, for simply being you and for leading us from our dark past into the light of our new South Africa. May you live long in body and forever in our hearts. Shine on Madiba!
Mark Mandy
Tekweni, South Africa
Happy Birthday to you. May our African Ancestors plead your case before God Almighty in order to give you long life and allow you to continue to defend the interests of
Africa and its people.
Blaise Ekamba
Douala, Cameroon
Liewe Madiba, veels geluk met u verjaarsdag en mag daar nog vele meer wees.
Leon Human
Cape Town, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela, Congratulations on your 85th birthday - you remain an inspiration and example to us all. All the best and many happy returns.
J Campbell
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADIBA, the son of the soil. You are the intense insect with a song shosholoza to break insoluble. Solidity of the nation consists of your efficiency. All things are solid behind your photosynthesis. Thank you. Diba waku loMthembu.
Ndyebo Mququ
Butterworth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
We have seen and read about some powerful kings, queens and presidents all over the world. A lot of them had the castles, but lack the coolness to hang with any ordinary
man. Many had the wealth, but none had the compassion for humanity. Most had the power but none of them had the humility that kept you so young even at 85 years. Your legs may not be as strong as they used to be, but your spirit is stronger than ever. Many young and old around the world appreciate the sacrifices you made for them to be free. Africans have suffered decades of humiliation but now we see some light at the end of the tunnel. Slowly, but surely we are regaining our pride, dignity and respect as human beings. In your eyes we see hope for millions of Africans. You make us proud Madiba. Happy Birthday Sir!!
Gaolatlhe Moyambo
Bordentown, New Jersey, USA
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The Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book:
