Your strength is something that I aspire to... you have a strength that rises hearts and hopes up to creating and doing great things in this beautiful country. I love you Madiba, you are my inspiration

My earliest memory of Nelson Mandela was as a 10 year old dancing in the streets of the small coloured community in Bloemfontein where I am from. The day was 10 February 1990, that glorious day former president FW de Klerk announced Nelson Mandela a free man. I remember holding onto my teacher Mrs Danielle’s hand as we formed a human chain singing and dancing through the streets of my neighbourhood. Four year later I got a glimpse of the icon Madiba. As part of the ANC’s election campaign Madiba visited our community. I remember the envy when Madiba picked up a cousin - envy as I wished I could be the one touching this great man or just be close as I pushed at the back of the large crowd trying to get a glimpse of the grey-haired man in the front. It was only more than ten years > read more

There are a number of special memories of Madiba but for me there is an iconic one that did so much for the nation at a crucial point. It was the image of Madiba wearing the Springbok shirt with the same number as the captain Francois Pienaar at the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final - that moment said so much about the man, his hopes, beliefs and positive influence and his ability to reach out beyond the moment - thanks Madiba, I'm pleased that you've enjoyed a relatively long time post prison, South Africa needed you and we’ve been blessed to have you...

Making the world a better place and fighting for what is right has caracterized the social and political life of Madiba up to now. It is really good for me to be able to say Happy birthday Madiba. I wish you many more years and I pray that God will rise in this world many more leaders as you. As a black Cameroonian man, I would not have been able to stay and work in South Africa if you did not do what you did: "Free SOUTH AFRICA from white and black domination and lay the foundation of a society living in Harmony". I am very happy that you live to see that dream comes true Madiba and I thank God for you, for you life and values that are like light for any one who dream of a better world. Thank you Madiba, Happy birthday and > read more

It was early 1994, and Mandela came on a pre-election visit to Ingwavuma on top of the Lebombo range, in northern KwaZulu. His helicopter landed on the Mosvold Hospital airstrip and after the rally he went to have tea with the hospital superintendent Dr.Ross and company. I was a teacher,23, at Ingwavuma High at the time and stayed with my friend Bridget Walters (co-founder of Nansindlela Primary)- we lived in the hospital house next door to Dr.Ross. Well, we were besides ourselves with excitement that MANDELA was next-door, and then we were invited over to meet him in person before he left. As I shook his hand I remember being struck by his commanding height and dignified presence, he asked my name and I said 'Helen' and he smiled and said 'as in Helen of Troy' and I mumbled something about my mother being a Latin and classics teacher. > read more

As a journalist, I was in Abuja in 1991 when Madiwa made his fist apperance at the meetOUA Summit. It was impossible to meet him but it was really a pleasure to sse him at last free and working for a free South Africa. As a French citizen, who spent a lot of time in Africa as did my family, I always was deeply moved by Madiba's deeds and thoughts and i want to wish him happy birthay and may he live till 120 years !

The day he walked free... I remember the excitement in my village. The pride that had filled the area. The sense of achievement. Everyone knew at that very moment that CHANGE HAD FINALLY COME.

The day he walked free. A Man for all seasons. He is a Man amongst Men.

In October 1990, I had a great moment with Madiba in Groutville where he had gone to visit my grandmother, Nokukhanya Luthuli. Of course, I took a picture with him asking him a question he only answered with a smile. I asked him: "What is like to feel like and act like Luthuli (grandfatherly, I meant)". My question came from my understanding (at the time) that Mandela thought Luthuli was being a 'softie' on Whites when he was advocating for a negotiated settlement between the Africans and the Whites in the '60s. Was he not doing the same 30 years later on? He only gave me a brilliant smile (maybe to figure it all out by myself). What a man!!!!

I remember watching Nelson Mandela on the day of the inauguration. His expression was so solemn. I think that his face signified the profound significance of the day, and I recall feeling a deep sense of respect for him. I also remember Nelson Mandela being interviewed by Oprah Winfrey. I did not expect there to be such a contrast between the flashy, celebrity-style Oprah Winfrey and Nelson Mandela’s serious, modest manner. It seemed as though their realities were a million miles apart, and I felt strongly protective towards him. If Nelson Mandela symbolised all South Africans, then South Africans were people of substance!