Johannesburg - Former South African president Mr Nelson Mandela was joined by pop star Michael Jackson in low-key celebrations yesterday to mark his 81st birthday and a year of marriage to Ms Graca Machel.
Mr Mandela breakfasted with his wife and the grandchildren staying with them in their Johannesburg home. "He's decided that this year he wants it quiet," his press secretary said.
Jackson brought a flower-adorned cream cake with gold icing and inscribed with "Happy Birthday Madiba". Madiba is the Mandela clan name by which South Africa's first black president is fondly known.
