SOUTH AFRICA: AS NELSON Mandela celebrated his 90th birthday at his rural homestead in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province yesterday, glowing tributes to a man seen as one of the most inspirational figures of the 20th century poured in from across the globe, writes Bill Corcoran.
South Africans took time out from their concerns over mounting social, political and economic problems to remember and honour Madiba - as Mr Mandela is affectionately known here - as the father of the nation and a shining example of leadership and service.
Newspapers printed special "Madiba" supplements in which well-wishers from all walks of life shared their thoughts and memories of the anti-apartheid movement leader who spent 27 years in jail until 1990, when he was released and went on to negotiate an end to apartheid.
In Cape Town two runners holding South African flags circled Robben Island, where Mr Mandela spent most of his incarcerated years, and in Johannesburg two seven-storey-high banners of him were hung from the side of the ruling ANC party headquarters, Luthuli House.
The man himself chose to celebrate the start of his 10th decade in a low-key manner by inviting close family and friends to a private gathering at his home in Qunu, where his family are Xhosa chiefs. However, a larger party for 500 guests is planned for today.
The world was informed ahead of the occasion Mr Mandela would not be making any live speeches. Instead he pre-recorded a message in which his usual self-deprecating humour came to the fore.
"We are honoured that you wish to celebrate the birthday of a retired old man who no longer has power or influence. We wish you well wherever you are. We are all celebrating and we thank you for joining me in those celebrations," said Mr Mandela in the message.
However, he changed his mind, and in a short media interview from his house he called on the country's wealthy to share their good fortune with the millions of South Africans still struggling to lift themselves out of poverty. "There are many people in South Africa who are rich and who can share those riches with those not so fortunate who have not been able to conquer poverty," Mr Mandela said sitting beside his wife Graca, with whom he also celebrates 10 years of marriage today.
Among those who paid tribute was his former adversary FW de Klerk, the last president of apartheid South Africa, who described his relationship with the man as often tense and strained but which ended up in friendship.
He added: "After his inauguration, Nelson Mandela used his personal charm to promote reconciliation and to mould our widely diverse communities into an emerging multicultural nation. This, I believe, will be seen as his greatest legacy."
Other well-wishers included Zimbabwe's ambassador to South Africa, Simon Khaya Moyo, opposition parties and the Springbok rugby team, which was once a symbol of white supremacy.
Yesterday was also used to highlight what many believe is the squandering of his legacy by those who took over the mantle of leadership when he retired from active politics. The Mail and Guardian, one of the country's most respected publications, said in an editorial: "The sweet celebration of a life of leadership, service and generosity is mixed with the sour taste of a legacy being polluted in front of the old man's tired eyes."
The birthday celebrations for the Nobel peace laureate began three weeks ago in London with a concert to support his 46664 - his prison number from Robben Island - campaign, which focus on global HIV/Aids awareness.
A Mandela coin and stamp have been also been launched, as has a Mandela comic book and a campaign to sell gold, platinum and silver 46664 wrist bangles.
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