President Thabo Mbeki, who wished Nelson Mandela happy birthday on behalf of the government and people of South Africa in 2007, said the country and the world were privileged to celebrate the life of such 'an outstanding leader of our people'.
‘Former President Mandela inspired South Africa, the continent and the rest of humanity through his life, his leadership and his resolute and deep-seated commitment to the struggle against apartheid and for a just and democratic society’, said Mbeki.