CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) – Former President Nelson Mandela celebrated his 86th birthday quietly Sunday at his family home in Qunu in the Eastern Cape with his wife Graca Machel and family members.
The low key celebration was in keeping with the Nobel Laureate’s announcement in June this year that he would cut back on public appearances, a spokesman from the Nelson Mandela Foundation said.
Mandela said he did not want to withdraw completely from public life but would be more selective about events he attended. He has maintained a hectic schedule since retirement from active politics in 1999.
He has since helped negotiate an end to fighting in Burundi, made many charitable appearances, took part in the successful bid to bring the 2010 soccer World Cup to South Africa and most recently spoke at an AIDS Conference in Thailand.
He said he would not rest till AIDS was under control.
The anti-apartheid hero has looked frail in recent appearances and has difficulty walking without a cane. Mandela indicated a more moderate schedule would allow him to spend more time with his family and complete the second volume of his memoirs.
The low key birthday party was attended by Mandela’s former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
Last year Mandela celebrated his birthday with about 1,600 guests who attended a banquet in Johannesburg. Guests included Oprah Winfrey, Robert DeNiro, Bill Clinton, South African President Thabo Mbeki and former South African President F.W. de Klerk.
Mandela “remains a beloved national hero to all South Africans. Though he has retired, he has continued his passionate work on behalf of all of us, especially on issues such as HIV/Aids. He is a national treasure and an icon to millions of people across the world,” the official opposition Democratic Alliance said in a statement.
Former apartheid rulers of the New National Party said the nation was indebted to Mandela for his selfless service.
“There is never a thought spared for himself, it is always for others. On the special occasion…it is our turn as a nation to think about Mr. Mandela and to thank him; and to draw from his example by asking how we can help others in need,” party secretary general Daryl Swanepoel said.
Apartheid era political enemies from the Inkatha Freedom Party also extended their congratulations to Mandela.
Leader of the Zulu nationalist IFP, Mangosuthu Buthelezi said Mandela’s leadership was urgently needed to overcome “the seemingly impossible challenges of HIV/AIDS, crime, corruption, poverty and unemployment”.
Buthelezi said Mandela’s legacy had “unfortunately” remained unparalleled.
“Through his unstinting work and dedication Madiba (as he is known locally) has managed to touch the hearts and souls of millions of people across the globe,” Buthelezi said.
Mandela continues working through the Nelson Mandela Children’s Foundation and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation.
The former anti-apartheid leader spent 27 years in prison for his beliefs. After his release he became the country’s first black president following the first democratic elections in 1994.
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