BuaNews (Tshwane)
Luyanda Makapela
18 July 2008
Pretoria — Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka will join other dignitaries in celebrating former President Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday in Qunu, Eastern Cape.
Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka will join Madiba and his wife Graca Machel, who will also be celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary on Saturday.
The Deputy President said Madiba has been a true inspiration to her, to the country, its leaders, citizens and mostly the youth.
"Mr Mandela's entire life has and still is dedicated to one course, the liberation and well-being of all the country's peoples.
"He has lived true to the principle of 'be the change you want to see in the world'," Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka said.
Worldwide celebrations are currently taking place to commemorate Mr Mandela's 90th birthday. A series of initiatives has also been launched to mark the milestone occasion.
The South African Post Office has launched postage stamps depicting the image of the former President.
Chairperson of the Board of the South African Post Office, Vuyo Mahlati unveiled the collector's items at the Nelson Mandela Foundation on Tuesday.
She told reporters that stamps were far more than just a piece of paper that shows postage has been paid on a package or letter.
"Our stamps are small ambassadors that carry images of our country to destinations all over the world. We believe that the stamps we are unveiling today, will carry the message to all corners of the world," she said.
Costing R2.05 the photo on the limited postage stamp for domestic postage was taken by famed photographer Halden Krog, while the stamp for international small letters, costing R4.90 used the artwork of a painting by South African artist Cyril Coetzee.
According to Ms Mahlati, the stamps are so beautiful that those who are lucky to get them will keep them forever.
She further indicated that stamps were the custodians and recorders of history.
On Sunday, Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf also paid tribute to Nelson Mandela for paving the way for democracy in Africa at the 6th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture.
Africa's first female President said she was honoured to be standing before Nelson Mandela, to deliver the Nelson Mandela Lecture at Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Soweto on Saturday.
"I would like to pay tribute to you, a man who paved the way for a new generation of leaders and the emergence of democratisation in Africa," she said.
In response to Ms Johnson-Sirleaf's tribute, Mr Mandela said: "Your warmth and friendship are much appreciated."
Mr Mandela said he was privileged to celebrate his birthday with so many friends and well wishers.
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