South Africa: Nelson Mandela Breath a New Candle

Heroes of the struggle against the racist regime of apartheid'', "Tata" Mandela or "dad" Mandela as it is called out of respect and affection is regularly the subject of alerts santé.Et his four years, his anniversary was the occasion of celebrations of the stars or sailed by foreign dignitaries, is held in strict family. In January 2011, he was hospitalized for a respiratory infection and in February for examinations.

"Healthy"

The latest data by President Jacob Zuma who had lunch with him last Wednesday (July 11, 2012) in Qunu (South), Mandela would be "healthy". "It was a pleasure to see, as always. J 'was particularly happy to submit all my wishes before his next birthday. I also informed that, as always, all South Africans expect the 18 (July) in order to wish her a happy birthday every way possible "said the South African president, in a statement.

For a year, Nelson Mandela divides his time between Johannesburg and Qunu, the village of his childhood, where his house was remodeled and has regained in May. Mandela, who retired from politics in 2004, however, keep an eye on his country, AFP assures his old friend and fellow jail Ahmed Kathrada, 82 years. "The last time I saw it about a month ago, he was busy reading his newspaper," recently told Mr. Kathrada. "May he be with us even longer and we can give advice, "he said. Both men have been jailed 26 years together.

Released in 1990 after 27 years in prison, Mandela led the negotiations that led to the transition, without civil war, to multiracial democracy. First black president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, his last public appearance was in 2010 during the World Cup hosted by his country. Since then, the opportunity to see are for his family, to young talents who come to perform for him, or on television where he appeared briefly to be enrolled in October to welcome the flame and the centenary of his party, ANC.

67 years of political struggle

His birthday is not a holiday, but became a highlight. Wednesday at 8:00 (10:00 in Mauritius), thousands of school children were singing a "Happy Birthday Madiba", the traditional clan name of Nelson Mandela. The Mandela Day (Mandela Day) has been recognized since 2009 by the UN as a global call to devote 67 minutes of his time to helping others in tribute to the values ??of the first black president the country has experienced. These 67 minutes represent the 67 years he devoted to his political struggle.

A mind that is not to everyone's taste. An editorial in the black Sowetan reminded last week that Mandela was not Mother Theresa. "He has not sacrificed so that the world is reduced to a charity operation, where one race or one class oppresses another and began one day a year in activities sponsored insulting and cosmetics, some food we give two or three dirty clothes which one gets rid ", lambasted the editor, ruling that Mandela would be most honored if you protesting against the injustices and inequalities.