Mandela celebrates 92nd birthday with family and friends

NELSON Mandela turned 92 yesterday as US President Barack Obama and other world leaders hailed the anti-apartheid icon’s contribution to global politics and the fight for human rights.

“We are grateful to continue to be blessed with his extraordinary vision, leadership, and spirit,” Obama said in Washington as an increasingly frail Mandela celebrated quietly with extended family at his home in Johannesburg.

“We strive to build upon his example of tolerance, compassion and reconciliation,” said the US president.