A birthday message to Mr Mandela
July 22, 2010 – The Nelson Mandela Day exhibition in Maponya Mall in Soweto saw hundreds of people write birthday wishes to Mr Mandela.
The exhibition, which has been running since June 30, is a striking display themed around the values that guide Mr Mandela’s life. At the exhibition there are six large pillars that spell out the components of leadership most important to Mr Mandela: act, unite, speak, learn, listen, lead and remember.
Visitors to the exhibition were invited to pen a message to Mr Mandela and hundreds of people wrote a birthday wish to the icon, who turned 92 on July 18, 2010.
The messages came from people all over the world. From Sowetans to Australians, everyone had a chance to send their best wishes to the man who inspired the world – and Mandela Day.
Mandela Day is an annual day of public service that asks individuals around the world to do something good to help make the world a better place. Individuals are encouraged to spend at least 67 minutes of their time, in recognition of the 67 years that Mr Mandela dedicated to fighting for social justice, by doing something small to contribute to the movement for social good.
Here are excerpts of some of the messages at the exhibition:
“Baba Mandela, we thank you for bringing change in our country and may God richly bless you.” – Thato, Mpho and Sbo
“Congratulations on achieving 92 wonderful years, we could not have visited this amazing country without you.” – Ryley from Australia
“Happy birthday. Sikufisela impilo ende, usiphilele [“We wish you long life”]. Thank you for everything and especially the gift of bringing the World Cup eMzansi [“to South Africa”]. Halala Tata [“Long live Madiba”]!!!” – Anonymous
To view more birthday messages click here.
Another of the birthday messages addressed to Mr Mandela
Some of the messages came from as far afield as Australia
Many people thanked Mr Mandela for his political contribution to South Africa