Mandela turns 95
- 11 years ago
Well-wishers and media were gathering early as the 95th birthday of South Africa's former president Nelson Mandela dawned.
He's been at this hospital in Pretoria for more than five weeks undergoing treatment for a lung infection.
A statement from South Africa's current president, issued on the anti-apartheid hero's big day, says his condition is improving.
On the eve of the event old friends Mac Maharaj and Epainette Mbeki, mother of Mandela's successor as president, offered their birthday greetings.
(SOUNDBITE)(English) MAC MAHARAJ, PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESMAN AND FRIEND OF NELSON MANDELA, SAYING:
Nelson Mandela. I would like to take this opportunity to wish him everything of the best on his 95th birthday. Get well, get better. We need you, and stay forever young at heart."
(SOUNDBITE)(English) EPAINETTE MBEKI, MOTHER OF FORMER PRESIDENT THABO MBEKI, SAYING:
"I am wishing you a happy birthday and many more returns."
July 18th was named Nel
He's been at this hospital in Pretoria for more than five weeks undergoing treatment for a lung infection.
A statement from South Africa's current president, issued on the anti-apartheid hero's big day, says his condition is improving.
On the eve of the event old friends Mac Maharaj and Epainette Mbeki, mother of Mandela's successor as president, offered their birthday greetings.
(SOUNDBITE)(English) MAC MAHARAJ, PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESMAN AND FRIEND OF NELSON MANDELA, SAYING:
Nelson Mandela. I would like to take this opportunity to wish him everything of the best on his 95th birthday. Get well, get better. We need you, and stay forever young at heart."
(SOUNDBITE)(English) EPAINETTE MBEKI, MOTHER OF FORMER PRESIDENT THABO MBEKI, SAYING:
"I am wishing you a happy birthday and many more returns."
July 18th was named Nel