On behalf of the Department of Transport and the transport family, Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele would like to wish former president Nelson Mandela a happy 91st birthday on 18 July 2009.
"Madiba will be 92 years old when South Africa hosts the historic FIFA World Cup in 2010. As Madiba reaches his 91st birthday this year, we join the whole world in praying that God grant the former president a long and healthy life.
"Madiba represents the best that we as human beings should aspire to: humility and self-sacrifice. In Madiba we see a fervent desire to change what we can and the readiness to accept that which we cannot change. By force of example, Madiba enjoins us all to believe that no challenge is insurmountable or any mountain too high to climb.
"We learn from Madiba that in giving of ourselves we can grow beyond measure, develop beyond compare into full members of the human race. When we believe in the greatness of the collective, we can believe in humanity's capacity for change and each individual's inherent greatness.
"In honour of this living legend, the Department of Transport and the transport family commit to playing a role in the growth and development of our country and continent. We will demonstrate our commitment to Madiba's living legacy by ensuring that transport plays a key role in the success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
In this way, like Madiba, the FIFA 2010 World Cup can symbolise the best of what South Africa, supported by the world, can deliver. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADIBA!" said the Minister.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
Issued by: Department of Transport
16 July 2009
Source: SAPA
