Mandela calls on world leaders to fight poverty

Mandela has urged world leaders to address global poverty

July 18, 2008, 12:45

Former South African president Nelson Mandela has called on world leaders and business to ensure that they address the question of global poverty. He also called on the youth of South Africa to behave with the discipline which, Madiba says, has allowed him to live to the age of 90.

Madiba was speaking at his house in Qunu in the Eastern Cape, where he is celebrating his birthday surrounded by members of his family. Madiba and Graca are also celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary. They will have a private lunch, at which traditional Xhosa food is expected to feature prominently - according to Mandela's personal chef, Xoliswa Ndoyiya who has cooked for and looked after Madiba for the past 15 years.

Ndoyiya says he is very strict about eating healthy food including meat cooked without oil and lots of green vegetables but she says he often craves traditional Xhosa food such as umngqushu and dumplings. And that's why today's birthday meal will include tripe, sheep's head (skopo) boiled lamb and oxtail. There's fruit for dessert, but Ndoyiya says Madiba can’t go without his double toffee ice cream, irrespective of the weather.

South Africa and the world are gripped by Madiba Magic, as the world's most loved icon celebrates his 90th birthday. Tributes range from songs by little children to sobering birthday messages.
*For more on Madiba Magic, click on our special feature.