Qunu — South Africans are not just celebrating Madiba's 90th birthday, but a honoured member of the Order of Mapungubwe, who the country surrendered to the nations as a citizen of the world, says President Thabo Mbeki.

Addressing about 500 family members and close friends at the former President Nelson Mandela's home in Qunu near Mthatha on Saturday, Mr Mbeki said people were not gathered in Qunu by accident.

"We have gathered here in Qunu, in the Transkei, to celebrate the 90th birthday of an iconic son of the people of South Africa whom we have also surrendered to the nation as citizen of the world," the President said.

"We have convened here in celebration because the 90-year-old child, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela emerged from this Transkei."

Mr Mbeki, who was accompanied by first lady Zanele Mbeki, said Mr Mandela has always been a man of his word as this was evident when he and his comrades in the Rivonia Trial faced the threat of death, where he made his most famous statement.

Mr Mbeki quoted Madiba saying then: "I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and will equal opportunities.

"It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve, but if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

This noble vision, the President said, confirmed in the words of Madiba, gave birth to the transition from apartheid to democracy which many in the world saluted as a miracle.

President Mbeki said this miracle informed things that South Africans did to avoid a racial war, while agreeing on a Constitution that prescribed to build a South Africa that belongs all, black and white.

"All these define the South Africa of today, serving as the fundamental basis we need to guarantee the success and developments of the new Republic of South Africa.

"For everything Nelson Mandela did to build our new democracy, all focused on achieving the coal of creating a new South Africa that belongs to all, we say, many thanks Madiba, Happy Birthday," Mr Mbeki said.

The President further said South Africa committed itself to always striving to advance the goals to which Mr Mandela dedicated his life to - goals of a democratic, non-racial, non sexist and prosperous South Africa.

"We will continue to work hard to eradicate poverty that continues to afflict millions of our people.

"We will work for the unity and upliftment of the people of Africa, the renaissance of our continent and the building a better world," Mr Mbeki said.

The President also congratulated Mr Mandela on his tenth wedding anniversary with his wife Grace Machel.

"Madiba and Graca Machel, on behalf of our nation and our government, many happy returns on your tenth anniversary, and to you, Madiba, Happy 90th birthday, may you have more. Ukhule Ukhokhobe!" said Mr Mbeki.