Saturday 19 July 2008

NELSON MANDELA at 90: Birthday Plea to help the Poor


Madiba’s birthday message

Nelson Mandela celebrated his 90th birthday today by calling on the wealthy to share with the less fortunate

July 18, 2008 – Mr Mandela gave this message to the world:

There are many people in South Africa who are rich and who can share those riches with those not so fortunate who have not been able to conquer poverty. Poverty has gripped our people. If you are poor, you are not likely to live long.”

Nelson Mandela celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by his grandchildren and relatives in the rural village he calls home. Yet the man who has become a symbol for peace spoke of his concern at the state of the poor in South Africa who still face demoralising poverty.

Accompanied by his wife, Graça Machel, a smiling Mandela gave an interview to a group of journalists gathered in the home he built in Qunu, Eastern Cape Province.
Link to the Nelson Mandela Foundation:
See Desert Peace's post on the great Mandela:

No comments: