Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. CC image courtesy of South Africa The Good News.
Nelson Mandela was one of the first to receive the new smart identification document (ID) card, which was accepted earlier today by his daughter Zindzi Mandela at the Union Buildings in Pretoria in honour of his 95th birthday.
Naledi Pandor, minister of home affairs, said prominent South Africans such as Graca Machel, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, former president Thabo Mbeki, president Jacob Zuma and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela would also be among the first to receive the smart ID cards.
Mandela this morning said her father is making “remarkable progress” after having been hospitilised for five weeks.
“I’d like to assure each and everyone of you gathered here, though I may not be a medical doctor, that Tata is making a remarkable progress and we look forward to having him back home soon soon. I often tease him and say our father who art in Houghton. We [would] very much like to have him back there in Houghton and not in hospital,” the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) News quoted her as saying.
Furthermore, Zindzi Mandela said it is an honour for her to receive the smart ID card on her father’s behalf, and not only as her father but also as her comrade, her leader and for his courageous fight against “past unjust laws” when he was still part of the African National Congress (ANC).
“On behalf of government and all the people of South Africa, we wish Madiba a joyous 95th birthday… We thank all our people for supporting Madiba throughout the hospitalisation with undying love and compassion,” the Times Live quoted president Zuma as saying.
