As befitting the world’s most popular statesman, Nelson Mandela marked his 89th birthday yesterday with songs, tears and a host of tributes from fellow world leaders, past and present.

“Madiba”, the clan name he is affectionately known by, used the occasion to launch an international group of elder statesmen that will help to solve world problems from climate change to poverty.

The Elders, which is based on the idea of traditional African village elders offering wise counsel, will include the talents of former US President Jimmy Carter, 82, the former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, 69, and the former Irish President Mary Robinson, 63.

“I am confident that the Elders can become real role models. They will support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict and inspire hope where there is despair,” Mr Mandela said to wild applause and enthusiasm. “With the use of their collective experience, their moral courage and their ability to rise above nation, race and creed, they can make our planet a more peaceful and equitable place to live,”

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the chairman of the new organisation and one of many Nobel laureates on display, heaped praise on Mr Mandela, describing him as a national treasure. He said: “How God must love South Africa to have given us such a priceless gift. Our hearts thank you, you make us feel good about being human.”

Dr Tutu was later reduced to tears as the rock star Peter Gabriel sang a solo version of Biko, the anti-apartheid song he wrote in memory of the black consciousness leader Steve Biko, who was killed in detention by apartheid security officials.

“We stand on the shoulders of such great people, to whom we owe our freedom,” Dr Tutu declared as he stared straight into the eyes of apartheid’s greatest adversary. “He came out of 27 years of incarceration and was a model to us all — a man of reconciliation and forgiveness.”

Gabriel was one of the prime movers of the “elders group”, along with the entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, who was also at the party. Together they have helped to raise about £9 million to fund the project for its first three years.

Mr Mandela, who spends much of his time these days with his wife, Graca Machel, at their home in Mozambique, said that he would play only a limited role in the project, explaining that he was taking his retirement seriously.

“This initiative cannot have come at a more appropriate time. It brings together an extraordinary collection of people,” he said, supported by his walking stick and sporting his trademark colourful African shirt. “They don’t have careers to build, elections to win and constituencies to please.”

Mr Carter said: “My prayer is that the great potential of the Elders might be realized though sound judgment and through dedication and courage.”

Mr Mandela’s magic shows no sign of diminishing with age. A recent poll gave him an approval rating of 9.2 out of ten, more than when he was elected president in 1994.

The birthday party was just one of many marking his passage into his 90th year. Today former US President Bill Clinton will host a discussion on Mr Mandela’s legacy and on Saturday the football legend Pelé will join other soccer stars from around the world for a special match in Cape Town, “90 Minutes for Mandela”.

— Visit the Nelson Mandela Trust

Grey power

27 years Mr Mandela spent in jail

50 The number of international football players, past and present, who will take part in the “90 Minutes for Mandela” match

89 The number of trees planted in Thokoza Park, Soweto, in honour of each year of his life

34,000 The lowest estimate for the number of birthday greetings sent by text message to a special hotline when Mr Mandela turned 85 in 2003

Source: Times Archive

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