Photo: A painting made in Cape Town yesterday to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 91st birthday today. The painting is made with handprints from thousands of people.

Happy birthday Madiba. What a remarkable man, leader and statesman. I can think of more than 91 reasons what makes him a great leader. To understand the man a little bit better I quote from his statement at the Rivonia trial:
“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”Nelson Mandela