It’s all systems go for the country’s largest choir, comprising over 12 million school children and millions of ordinary South Africans, as they join in singing Happy Birthday Tata, a song specially written for Madiba for his 93rd birthday on Monday, 18 July 2011. In what will go down in history as a major feat to unite South Africans and promote social cohesion since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, everyone is encouraged to sing the song at exactly 08h05 on Mandela Day.
President Jacob Zuma will address the nation at 08h00 to wish Tata Mandela a Happy 93rd Birthday, followed by live simultaneous broadcasts of the song on all of SABC and Primedia radio stations, Kaya FM and every community radio station. Morning Live ( SABC2) will also broadcast the historic event live for an extra hour.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga will preside over the Mandela Day event from Tsakane Primary School on the East Rand. As a teacher by profession, she will spend 67 minutes in a classroom teaching Literacy to a Grade 3 class at the same school, after which she will officially open the school’s new library. All 9 MECs of Education will also participate in various activities in their provinces.
Come on South Africa, join the Department of Basic Education, LeadSA, the SABC, Primedia, Brand SA and all our partners to give Madiba the biggest birthday surprise in history. LET’S ALL SING FOR MADIBA!
Special birthday song: Lyrics
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Tata, Happy Birthday to you, We love you Tata, We love you Tata, We love you dear Tata, Happy birthday to you.
Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela. Ha hona ya tshwanang le wena. x2
Ha hona ya tshwanang le wena, ha hona ya tshwanang le wena. X2
Happy birthday Madiba. Happy birthday Madiba. Ha hona ya tshwanang le wena. X2
Enquiries:
Panyaza Lesufi
Cell: 083 383 4517
Hope Mokgatlhe
Cell: 071 680 6849
