"Madiba, you've enriched our world"

18.7.09

by President Jacob Zuma

Today, South Africa and the world celebrate the 91st year of the arrival on this planet of the nation's icon, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

The ANC is proud to join the nation and the world in conveying its best wishes to Tata on this special occasion.

All South Africans - black and white, men and women, young and old - are united in their admiration and love for Madiba. It takes a special kind of a person to generate so much love and respect.

As the ANC, we are very proud to have produced leaders of the highest calibre for the nation, from the generation of Pixley ka Isaka Seme, to that of Oliver Reginald Tambo, Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela, from Charlotte Maxeke to Lillian Ngoyi and Helen Joseph, from Yusuf Dadoo to Braam Fischer.

All taught us that we have to put the country and its people first above every other personal interest. They taught us that service to humanity, especially to the vulnerable, oppressed and marginalised, was the greatest contribution that anyone could ever make in their lifetime.

It is in that spirit that we celebrate the life and contribution of Tata to our nation.

On this historic first Nelson Mandela Day, people throughout the world will dedicate 67 minutes of their time to doing something good for humanity. We will celebrate 67 years of uninterrupted and selfless service to the people of South Africa and the world.

Read the rest of this presidential speech here.