Message to Nelson Mandela on his 89th Birthday 17-07-07

 

The Congress of South African Trade Unions joins millions of South Africans, and billions more around the world, in wishing Nelson Rolihlaha Mandela a very happy 89th birthday and many more years of good health.

Comrade Mandela's individual steadfastness and sacrifice were unparalleled in South Africa's struggle for freedom. Since he joined the ANC in 1944 and was Volunteer-in-Chief of the Defiance Campaign in 1952, to becoming our first democratically elected Presidnet in 1994, he has done more than any other individual to forge South Africa's history and helped us win democracy and freedom.

He has stood like a rock and a beacon to others. He endured imprisonment longer than any others. All his tasks have been carried out with honour and humility.

So COSATU would like to remind our comrade, the noble-born professional lawyer, freedom fighter and first president of a free South Africa how well loved he is by countless ordinary South African workers for what he has done for them.

At 89, our Madiba is honoured everywhere. South African workers are proud of him because he is ours.

COSATU is proud that Nelson Mandela bears our highest award, the Elijah Barayi award, which he received at our 7th Congress in 2000.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions joins millions of South Africans, and billions more around the world, in wishing Nelson Rolihlaha Mandela a very happy 89th birthday and many more years of good health.

Comrade Mandela's individual steadfastness and sacrifice were unparalleled in South Africa's struggle for freedom. Since he joined the ANC in 1944 and was Volunteer-in-Chief of the Defiance Campaign in 1952, to becoming our first democratically elected Presidnet in 1994, he has done more than any other individual to forge South Africa's history and helped us win democracy and freedom.

He has stood like a rock and a beacon to others. He endured imprisonment longer than any others. All his tasks have been carried out with honour and humility.

So COSATU would like to remind our comrade, the noble-born professional lawyer, freedom fighter and first president of a free South Africa how well loved he is by countless ordinary South African workers for what he has done for them.

At 89, our Madiba is honoured everywhere. South African workers are proud of him because he is ours.

COSATU is proud that Nelson Mandela bears our highest award, the Elijah Barayi award, which he received at our 7th Congress in 2000.