I just completed reading the book Mandela a Biography by Martin Meredith. I am glad I did because it was one of my life long desires. The book is as candid as possible on the life and struggles of Mandela and the aftermath of the unity government. I believe that Martin makes the struggles sound a little bit romantic. It makes me want to struggle against my own government in Ethiopia for the greater good. I am glad that Ethiopia had a little bit share in that struggle for freedom in South Africa. Madiba may have started somethig good but it seems to me from the look of current affairs that South Africa is going the way of other African countries and failed democracies. If Black South Africans don't learn to appreciate White South Africans and if they don't learn to live together, and if there are no checks and balances > read more

MADIBA U HAVE ALWAYS SHONE THE LIGHT FOR AFRICANS. HOW I WISH U COULD BE A YOUTH A REVOLUTIONALIZE AFRICA AGAIN.U ARE MY HERO, ROLE MODEL N PRAY GOD TO GIVE ME A LEGACY AS GREAT AS YOU.U ARE A TRUE LEADER, A SERVANT, A DEMOCRAT AND REVOLUTIONIST. MADIBA,AS YOU CELEBRATE YOUR 92ND BIRTHDAY,MAY GOD GIVE U GOOD HEALTH,STRENGTH AND LONG LIFE.

I was doing Grade 12 in 2005(K.H.S), where I saw him Luckily in Bhunga Building (Mthatha).That is where the Nelson Mandela museum is located. It was such an honour just by seeing him because I could nottouch him. It was a talk of the day and night at home. Ukhule tata.........ukhokhobe and live longer.

Visiting the parliament in Cape Town and taking a picture of the mural on the walls of the parliament in Cape town showing Madiba signing the adoption of the constitution and formation of the national unity government was truly the finest ending of the long walk to freedom for Madiba and the rest of South Africa. It was also the dawn of a new beginning. I have twice had a chance to be in the same hall as Madiba. Once in Cape Town , I was at a table next to him (but his body guards said I could not take pictures of him as they would affect his eyes). Another time in Joburg for his 87th birthday attended by 100s of people including Bill Clinton, Madiba's wife and Desmond Tutu. His Foundation was kind enough to invite me. Although it was a bit disorganized, as some of the > read more

I don't have a close memory or experience with Utatomkhulu Mandela. But when he was released from Prison in 1990 I remember exactly where. I was. It was a great moment for a 6 year old at that time to see that excitement in people in my community gathering in groups to watch television as we know they were scarce at that time to witness the release of this our leader. I do not have words to describe how I feel about what he has done for South Africa, Africa and the world. It was a great moment in South Africa I could see it in the eyes of the elders in jubilation at that time. I want to wish you Tatomkhulu Mandela a very happy birthday. i had a pleasure of visiting Qunu last year to see where you grew up and it was so fascinating to read about your > read more

I started learning of the South African hero way back in 1976. I knew of Madiba since his name would always be mentioned in the radio news. I was privileged to work with one of his children in 1992 in Nairobi. Then the speeches were so moving. I've never stopped marveling at the deep convictions in what he believed in, and has come to pass. Happy Birthday Madiba.... johnson bor formerly of African Acedemy of Sciences and the Rockefeller Foundation Nairobi, Kenya

Dr Mandela, the father of the Nation I wish that he lives forever, I cannot imagine South Africa and the world without him. I had an opportuity to see him once in 1999 when he came to address the conference on World Religions in Cape Town. It was so moving to see him in person. VIVA MANDELA VIVA!!!

HALALA TATA HALALA !!!!! LONG LIVE GREAT ONE !!!!

I was six years old in 1990, the whole township was in flames and we were banned by "comrades" to attend schools. The word on the street was the release of Nelson Mandela, the man who will make apartheid disappear, give us good life and lead us to prosperity!! I kept asking myself, "who is this Mandela". My grandma banned that name in her household, because she didn't want problems! My parents were not around to answer me either, the streets were our library for your profile. Your forgiveness, boldness, vision and calmness continue to amazed me and I am proud you are my fellow South African. Rest well and be assured SA is in good hands!!

This old man has defined humanity, he has championed the cause of humanity and all of us, owe it to ourself to live his ideals and celebrate what he has given to the world. Happy Birthday Ntatemogolo, Mashala