July 18, 2006 Edition 1

1. President Thabo Mbeki and Mrs Zanele Mbeki: Extended a happy birthday message to former president Nelson Mandela on his 88th birthday. Mbeki expressed the wish that Madiba lives long enough to see the full bloom of our nation as it continues to regenerate itself into a peaceful, prosperous and united people, at peace with itself and its neighbours. Madiba's life is exemplary and will perhaps pass as one among the rare models of a true South African.

2. Amina Cachalia, struggle veteran: "From my hospital bed, I wish Madiba a very happy birthday and loads of health for the coming year. I look forward to a big bash next year."

3. Johannesburg Mayor, Amos Masondo: "Madiba's inclusive humanity and his caring for the poor of the poorest is a true inspiration. Madiba is a lodestar that we look to as the City of Gold strives to become an institution that is known for its heart of gold. His struggle to bring justice to all in South Africa has taught us that nothing in life is impossible. Perhaps we should say: Be thankful your birthday comes just once a year. Think how old you would be if it were every month."

4. Albertina Sisulu, struggle veteran: "We wish him luck and more years to live."

5. Selimathunzi presenter, Brown Motsime, who shares same birthday with Madiba: "I hope Madiba keeps on spreading that undiluted smile."

6. North West Premier, Edna Molewa: "We are proud to have a father and political visionary like yourself. Your leadership, selflessness and sacrifices you made for this nation are an indelible mark that will never be erased in our minds and lives."

7. ANC stalwart, Ahmed Kathrada: "I wish him good health, long life and happiness. Most of all I would like to see his dearest wish fulfilled - a smile in every child's face, children with full stomachs, health, shelter and education. His other great wish is to see a flourishing non-racial democratic South Africa."

8. Former fellow inmate at Robben Island, Eddie Daniels: "I wish Dalibhunga (Mandela's initiation name) a long and a happy life. Dalibhunga, you are the greatest, we all love you. Amandla!"

9. Helen Suzman: "I hope he remains as well as he is and as valued as he has been throughout the world. I send my love and best wishes."

10. ANC NEC member, Saki Macozoma: "Age ain't nothing but a number, says today's youth. Ubudoda abukhulelwa, says ancient Xhosa wisdom. Combined, they say to you, Madiba, and about you, that age, however measured, will not diminish our respect and admiration for you as our father and our leader."

11. Businessman Nthatho Motlana: "I'm privileged to join people of this country and of the world in wishing this incredible freedom fighter another decade of peaceful and happy days as he watches the maturing of our democracy and the flowering of his children."

12. Fifa President Sepp Blatter: "You have inspired us in Fifa to pursue our work of building a world based on peace, humanity, and solidarity and concern for the less privileged."

13. Vodacom CEO Alan Knott-Craig: "You are an inspiration to me and the people of Vodacom. You said before that, to rebuild a country is to climb many hills. As we continue on that journey, you are a guiding light. We are blessed to share another birthday with you, Madiba."

14. Businessman Yusuf Surtee: "To the world's best statesman, happy birthday. You have been so good to me as a father and a friend."

15. Grandson, Mandla Mandela: "Ndinqwenelela ukuba uThixo amphe iminyaka emininzi ayichithe nezizukulwana zakhe azifundise ukuthobela imithetho yabadala kunye namasiko akowethu.

17. Prof Jakes Gerwel: "May that smile always remain so bright and that lighting up of your face every time we meet. With fondest love."

18. Shaun Johnson (on behalf of staff at the Nelson Mandela Foundation): "As Mr Mandela begins his 89th year, we recommit ourselves to our important work, and are certain we echo the sentiment of many millions of people in Africa and around the world when we say with deep respect and sincerity. Happy birthday Madiba, and long live!"

19. Nelson Mandela Children's Fund representative Boitumelo Mdwaba: "We are grateful that, of his 88 years, he has given us unconditionally 11 years of outstanding leadership. Happy birthday."

20. National Commissioner Jackie Selebi and his Deputy Commissioners Mala Singh, Hamilton Hlela and Andre Pruis: "The SAPS sends its very best wishes to Madiba. His continued support of the men and women in blue is greatly appreciated and undoubtedly inspires them to give of their best."

21. Home Affairs Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula: "I wish that he can live longer so that he can witness the progress the country is making in its transformation. He continues to be a fountain of knowledge from which young people can drink from. With lots of love."

22. Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula: "Madiba's presence is always an inspiration to all South Africans based on his many years of sacrifice and dedication to the service of his people. We wish him many happy returns."

23. Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka: "Madiba remains a great inspiration to all of us and for generations to come. Ha a yo ya tshoanang le ena."

24. UDM leader Bantu Holomisa: "On behalf of the UDM and my family we wish Madiba many more years. As South Africans we have our own problems, and the whole world hopes that we can solve them as long as Madiba is here. We hope that God will keep him to watch the 2010."

25. Businessman and soccer legend Jomo Sono: "I wish he lives for another 60 years. He is my neighbour I still need him for another few years."

26. SABC Group CEO Dali Mpofu: "The long walk to freedom, which gained new pace in 1994, still needs your inspiration and wisdom as it branches off to various walkways, which will hopefully lead the nation to economic, cultural and other freedoms."

27. Kwaito star Zola 7: "If it wasn't for him fighting for freedom as a young man, we wouldn't be celebrating his 88th birthday today, so it's true what they say that obedient people really make history."

28. 94.7 talkshow host Jeremy Mansfield: "May you always keep a sense of humour, it's one of the things that has always kept you young. We need you around to make 2010 every success that it is going to be."

29. Constitutional Court Deputy Judge President Dikgang Moseneke: "His contribution to all of us will be remembered by all of us and in particular the African continent, well beyond 88 years. Happy birthday, Tata."

30. Comedian Pieter Dirk Uys: "At 88 you don't always have to answer the telephone. Let them leave messages and enjoy yourself."

31. Evita Bezuidenhout: "Eighty-eight koeksisters and 1 000 kisses for my favourite guardian angel."

32. Talkshow host Tim Modise: "You remain a true inspiration. You are our pride and joy. Re ago rata. Re ago leboga. (We love you. We thank you.)"

33. SABC 3 talkshow host Noleen Maholwana-Sangqu: "Madiba ukhule ungakhokhobi. Happy birthday. (Grow old, but don't become frail)."

34. Author and documentary maker Dennis Beckett: "Thanks for another year of displaying what is going to be your greatest legacy of all - the big heart. And this year, may we your public, finally give you time to smell the daisies."

35. George Bizos: "Dear Madiba, Happy Birthday. May you have many more. This is the wish of the Bizos clan."

36. Alf Kumalo (photographer): "Hi Madiba. We wish you all that you wish for yourself. May you enjoy many more happy birthdays."

37. Tony Leon, DA leader: "We wish him many more years of health, happiness and love from all of South Africa, from all parties and from all communities."

38. Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto: "Mr Mandela is our biggest treasure. South Africa and the world are blessed to have him still going strong at 88."

39. ANC national working committee: "We celebrate together the extraordinary contribution that you have made, and continue to make, to the realisation of the goal of a better life for all our people."

40. Zelda La Grange (Nelson Mandela's personal assistant): "My wishes for Madiba are for prosperity, good health, lots and lots of love and affection, even more free time, humour and laughter."

41.The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa): "We would wish Madiba many more years of happiness and good health, and success in all ventures, both public and personal, that he undertakes."

42. Rev Kenneth Meshoe, President of the African Democratic Party: "Although he has retired from active public life, Mandela remains an icon of the struggle for liberation. We miss his leadership, friendly relationship with opposition parties and his wisdom."

43. His Royal Highness Prince Banda bin Sultan of Saudi Arabia: "I wish my good friend Madiba a very happy birthday".

44. Former US President Bill Clinton: "Madiba, for your 88th birthday Hilary and I will each give you a child to make hope and history rhyme. (Clinton was referring to the estimated R100 000 cost of a life-saving heart operation for an under-privileged child at the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre for Africa."

45. Bongani Fassie,son of the late Brenda Fassie: "To a great man who built up ten years of democracy. I, Bongani Fassie, wanna wish you a happy birthday and many more years to come."

46. David Kau, popular Madiba impersonator: "Happy birthday Madiba, I hope you live another 88 years."

47. John Kani: "May the light of Africa shine on you for another 12 years - just another 12…"

48. Loyiso Bala: "It is a great honour to be living in Madiba's time because even at his age he still inspires young people such as myself. I wish you many more."

49. Kabelo: "Happy birthday Madiba. Thank you for teaching us to stand and die for what we believe in."

50. Somizi and Madam Gigi: "Mini emnandi Tata. Thank you once again Madiba, have a voom birthday and see you at the world cup. Much love, the Diva."

51. Patricia de Lille: "Happy birthday Madiba. We all wish and pray that you will still be with us for many more years to come. We all love you and look up to you and hope that in your years left with us that you will guide and protect our new democracy."

52. South African Breweries: "Few people deserve as much happiness, peace, rest and reward as the world's number one citizen. Happy birthday and cheers from all of us who work at SAB."

53. Cosatu: "On behalf of South African workers, we pay tribute once more to our great national liberation fighter and political leader, who did more than any other individual to transform our lives and our country."

54. Mbuyiselo Botha, General Secretary Men's Forum: "Happy Birthday Madiba. May all of us can learn from your rich legacy of bequeathing the spirit of giving and of your selflessness."

55. The national working committee of the African National Congress: "The African National Congress, the democratic movement and the people of South Africa salute you on the occasion of your 88th birthday."

56: Publisher at Mafube Publishing Thami Mazwai: "He is a symbol of peace, love, justice and he is loved by the world. I wish him good health and strength."

56. Adelaide Matlala-Tambo, who shares the same birthday with Madiba: "Dear Bboetie. Over many years of happiness, and good family man, the greetings on your birthday are not for you alone, but for your family as well."

57. Pan Africanist Congress leader Motsoko Pheko: "Dear Madiba. May that smile that lights up face every time we meet, always remain so bright. With fondest love."

58. Lucas Radebe, soccer icon and United Nations goodwill ambassador: "He is a living legend who inspires all of us and I hope that other people could learn from him. I wish him all the best in life, as well as Graca, who is doing a wonderful taking care of him. May God bless him."

59. Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa: "Happy Birthday, Tata Madiba. The Premier and people of Gauteng express their warm wishes to you on your 88th birthday. You remain a tower of strength and an inspiration to all of us as we deepen our democracy and make Gauteng a better place for all its people."

60. Mpumalanga Premier Thabang Makwetla: "To a selfless, courageous, visionary leader, generous father, grandfather and role model for the young and old across the world. To a true world champion of peace, unity, reconciliation, equality and freedom for all. On this day we appreciate and will continue be thankful for the wisdom and the gift of freedom that you dedicated many decades of your life to deliver for the people of South Africa."

61. Successful businesswoman Maud Motanyane: "I just hope he stops and gets a flavour of his life and give himself a pat on the back. Say, 'I have done something!'."

62. The Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Njongonkulu Ndungane: "We thank God for Madiba. He showed tremendous insight and leadership in leading us during a difficult time to achieve our constitutional democracy. We would like the young generation to maintain that legacy of dedication and commitment. Love from all of us."

63. Former Springbok rugby player, Morné du Plessis: "Happy birthday, Madiba! You keep on reaching these magic milestones. On your 88th birthday, please start taking it easy and enjoying your retirement. You have already done so much for all the people of this country and touched so many lives around the world. Have a wonderful day, you are precious to us all."

64. Story-teller Gcina Mhlophe on what about Mandela inspires her: "In our democracy, the safety of our children is so important. He is a fatherly figure that touches the rest of the world and makes us proud to be South African citizens. And I would like to say happy birthday to a beautiful man."

65. Raenette Taljaard, Director of the Helen Suzman Foundation: "His personality is an inspiration for the humility that is possible in public life. The reconciliation that speaks from his life will hopefully inspire a similar reconciliation on a global level."

66. Patricia de Lille, leader of the Independent Democrats: "I wish you, Madiba, a happy 88th birthday. I pray that you are still going to be with us for many years to come. We all love you. You have always been a shining example of leading by example and putting the interests of our country first."

67. Zwelinzima Vavi: "Madiba at 88 years, I guess he would say that heres nothing that he is looking forward to. He has been through almost evryhting. A mine worker, a student, activist, a political activist and a commnader of MK. A prisoner and a president and a leader of the ANC and of the alliance."

68. Independent political analyst Aubrey Matshiqi: "Every time in recent years when it's Mandela's birthday, I approach it with mixed feelings. As a country we are lucky to have had the privilege of being led by a good and powerful, generous and visionary leader."

69. Constance Conny Nkosi, the first black woman in South Africa to obtain an MBA: "He is a wonderful statesman, an ambassador for South Africa and for the rest of Africa. He is a man of integrity and a visionary who led South Africa out of bondage, and went on to teach us how to forgive, but not to forget where we come from.

70. Jabu Mabuza, Group Chief Executive for Tsogo Sun: "What do you say to an icon who has given our nation so much. We can only wish him good health and thanks God for having given us Nelson Mandela and many more happy returns."

71. Aids activist and columnist Lucky Mazibuko: "I think the ANC branch in heaven can wait. I wish him peace and tranquility because that's what he has taught me."

72. Barney Pityana,Unisa Vice-Chancellor: "He is one of Unisa's most illustrus allumnis. It is an honour to congratulate such a figure. He is an inspiration and continues to be one to Unisa students from all over the world. May he continue to have long life and even greater wisdom.

73. Reuel Khoza, Chairman of Nedbank Group and Aka Capital: "Happy 88th birthday Tata Madiba. The nation owes you a profound debt of gratitude for your visionary exemplary, highly commendable leadership in practise that not only contributed in largest measure to our liberation but set us firmly on course to becoming a great nation."

74. Sello Moloko, President of Association of Black Securities and Investment Professional: "We like to congratulate Madiba on his 88th birthday and to thank him for his immense contribution to nation building. We wish him a wonderful day filled with happiness. Long live Madiba."

75. Zeona Motshabi, Lobedu Communications Group Chairman: "I feel very proud to be a South Africa, whever we go we are welcomed and admired because he has represented our country. I wish him everything of the best, good health, and strength and the quality of life he has ever wished for himself and his family.

76. Teresita Van Gaalen, Managing director Subaru South Africa: "Your powerful legacy is the work of tireless loving hands and the wisdom of all the generations combined. Our job is to grow and treasure your legacy. Happy birthday!"

77. Mama Jackie, Principal of Ithuteng Trust School in Klipspruit, Soweto: "I wish God to give him the strength he needs to make as many memories with his family, friends and all the children around the globe because that's where his passion is. Happy birthday Baba, we are all blessed to have a father like you."

78. Committed Artists' President Mbongeni Ngema: "I wish he could live forever. We wrote songs about him, we never thought we would see him coming out of prison alive. He fired us up. I wish him a 100 years. He has freed us all - black and white. If we talk of a fortunate nation, it is us South Africans. He is like Moses."

79. Musician and recently appointed Unicef ambassador Yvonne Chaka Chaka: "Every body thinks life begins at 40, but I don't think so. Madiba is the man of the world and I hope God could give another 88 year to live on because him and the rest of the guys who fought for our freedom gave us back our pride and dignity. Many happy more returns Madiba."

80. Ishmael Mkhabela, Interface Community development Association CEO: "I wish that he spends the rest of his days meaningfully and in a way fulfilling to himself and his family. I think he has given enough, we wouldn't ask him to give more. We wish we could give more to him."

81. Assistant commissioner, Joseph Ngobeni: "I wish him good health because we all love him. He is my role model."

82. Thabile Msimang, a Soweto primary school teacher: "I honour him for the respect he has displayed to all people, young and old. I wish our children could learn from that. Happy birthday Madiba."

83. SABC sports anchor Robert Marawa: "He honoured me with a present in the studio three years ago to talk about sport matters. As someone who was instrumental in the 2010 World Cup success, I wish to see him in the opening ceremony of the world in South Africa. He should cut on his heavy work load so we can be with him in 2010 and beyond. Halala tata Madiba, halala! "

84 Danny Jordaan, 2010 World Cup Chief Executive: "We celebrate with him a birthday that comes at the commencement of the delivery stages of the 2010 Fifa World Cupm and are inspired by his tireless effort to deliver a nation united by this event. We just completed a Fifa World Cup that delivered the finishing touches of a nation-building effort in a formerly divided Germany."

85. Economic Development MEC Paul Mashatile: "There is no one like him. You know in Sesotho we say, 'ha hona tshoanang le ena. I personally have been fired by Nelson Mandela. May he have many, many, many more."

86. Bronwyn Keene-Young channel director at e-tv: "From everyone at e-tv, we wish special birthday wishes for a very special man. Even at 88, you are still an inspiration to all South Africa, young and old. Happy birthday, Madiba!"

87. Moeletsi Mbeki: "Madiba's life has been a great gift to the people of South Africa. I just want to say thank you to him for the sacrifice he made on our behalf. I wish him many birthdays."

88. Jacob Zuma: "Tata, all the very best on your 88th birthday. May you continue to be a shining beckon in our mist, a leader who inspires all of us to persevere in our mission for a better life for all."