Hailed as one of the great thinkers of modern times, Nelson Mandela will celebrate his 85th birthday tomorrow. Millions of people are expected to send their best wishes to him, either via a dedicated phone line set up by Telkom or on a special Web site. Those who would like to personally wish him "many happy returns" online can do so here.
The site has been approved by the Nelson Mandela Foundation as the official site for posting 85th birthday messages to Madiba, and wishes are already flooding in.
To mark the occasion, Telkom is facilitating a phone-in campaign to set a Guinness Book world record for the most birthday wishes ever received by an individual in one day. Millions of people are expected to call 086 7111 885 for local calls and +2712MANDELA for international calls, with their birthday greetings. A portion of the proceedings from the campaign will go to the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Madiba will celebrate his 85th birthday on Saturday in the company of friends, royalty, diplomats and pop stars, in what is being dubbed "the ball of the century". Big names on the guest list include U2`s Bono, Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey and former US president, Bill Clinton. Less well-known guests include Mandela`s chef and gardener, who have worked for him for years.
Madiba will spend Friday, his actual birthday, with family and grandchildren at his home in Sandton.
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