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The world pays tribute to Mandela (slideshow)
As South Africans come to terms with the loss of former president Nelson Mandela, the rest of the world bids farewell to Madiba.

Pimples: Saving Madiba's rabbit (video)
Gwede, Mac and Blade try their best to stop the rabbit from whispering in Mandela's ear. But the elusive animal has some tricks up its sleeve.

Zapiro's best Madiba cartoons (slideshow)
From his toughest moments to his most triumphant, Madiba has been an inspiration. Here are some of our favourite Zapiro cartoons about him from 1994 to 2013.

Mandela: SA's greatest son laid to rest (slideshow)
The world watched as Nelson Mandela was finally laid to rest in his hometown of Qunu following a dignified and moving funeral ceremony on Sunday.
Madiba birthday tributes start pouring in
Birthday tributes have started pouring in for former president Nelson Mandela who turns 86 on Sunday.

Birthday tributes have started pouring in for former president Nelson Mandela who turns 86 on Sunday.

The African National Congress said on Friday that South Africa is fortunate to have a visionary like Mandela as one of its leaders.

"We celebrate with you, Tata, because your achievements are our achievements, and we are grateful we can still enjoy the benefit of your leadership, which has taken us to great heights," ANC spokesperson Smuts Ngonyama said in a statement.

"The role you continue to play, even during your retirement, represents an indelible mark in the proud and rich history of our country."

He said Mandela, even during retirement, continues to stride the world stage like a colossus.

"We honour you for the masterful way in which you have used your political acumen, your charisma and your compassion to place South Africa on a high pedestal in the difficult world we live in."

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) said on Friday working people will never forget the role Madiba has played, and is still playing, in liberating and building the nation.

"He has been a constant friend of working people and the trade union movement, and has always recognised the vital part workers have to play in the national democratic revolution," Cosatu said in a statement.

Cosatu wished Mandela a happy birthday and said it hopes he will live for many more healthy, active years.

Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon said Mandela remains a beloved national hero to all South Africans.

He said Mandela is a national treasure and an icon to millions of people across the world.

"Though he has retired, he has continued his passionate work on behalf of all of us, especially on issues such as HIV/Aids.

"We hope that he enjoys his special day in the company of family and friends, and we wish him well," Leon said.

The Young Communist League of South Africa said that as in the past, it is certain Mandela's wisdom, dedication and enduring spirit will see the country through the obstacles that lie ahead.

"The underground, exile and almost three decades within the grey walls of the prison could not separate you from the nation," it said in a statement.

"Instead, these challenges cemented your bond to the nation. Like in the past, nothing will separate you from us, your people. Your courage, your heroic determination have broken the chains of slavery."

Mandela plans to spend Sunday with close family members at his ancestral home in Qunu in the Eastern Cape. -- Sapa