Birthday greetings pour in for Mandela's 90th

Birthday greetings from admirers ranging from politicians to pop stars to members of the public are pouring in for Nelson Mandela who turns 90 today.

As celebrations take place around the world, South Africa’s first black president will mark the milestone at a private party for 500 guests in his home village.

Mr Mandela’s 90th birthday has prompted the unveiling of commemorative memorabilia, including a series of stamps, a five-rand coin, bangles engraved with 46664, the name of his HIV/AIDS charity, and a collection of eight comic books depicting his life.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation also announced the launch of a 240-page coffee table book on contribution to history of the man who led the drive to end the South Africa’s Apartheid era.

Tens of thousands of politicians, musicians, sporting heroes and ordinary fans of Mr Mandela – referred to affectionately in South Africa by his clan name Madiba – have posted birthday wishes on the happybirthdaymandela.com website.

“Nelson Mandela is a leader no prison cell, no intimidation, no threat could silence,” British Prime Minister Gordon Brown wrote, while Spanish film director Pedro Almodovar declared: “We love you in Spain Mr Mandela.”

A message sent by former US president Bill Clinton, his wife, Senator Hillary Clinton and their daughter Chelsea read: “No celebration or card can be big enough to encompass all the lives you have touched.

“Your sacrifices, your accomplishments, and your many gifts to our world have affected those no longer with us, as well as those not yet born.”

The website, which also aims to raise money for Mr Mandela’s myriad of charities, was set up ahead of the charity rock concert held in Hyde Park in London last month which kicked off the birthday celebrations.