Mandela's 85th birthday

Jet, August 4, 2003

MANDELA'S 85TH BIRTHDAY: Ex-South African President Nelson Mandela and wife, Graca Machel, share a laugh before Mandela receives a book of tributes to him from leaders around the world in Johannesburg commencing his weekend long 85th birthday celebrations. Mandela won the nation's first all-race election after the fall of apartheid in 1994. As part of the festivities, former President Bill Clinton delivered the first annual Nelson Mandela lecture in his honor. Later that evening, an estimated 1,600 guests, including international movie stars, world leaders and friends, paid tribute to Mandela at a gala banquet. In addition, the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Johannesburg was officially opened with a road race to commemorate the occasion.

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