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: July 19, 2004 : By Moipone Malefane and Sapa-AP-AFP : Johannesburg: Nelson Mandela's 86th birthday was a family affair, bringing together his children and grandchildren - as well as his former and present wives. : In contrast with Mandela's glitzy 85th birthday party here last year - an elaborate banquet which attracted some of the world's most famous politicians and celebrities - yesterday's celebration, held at his birthplace in Qunu, was low-key. : One of the most touching moments was when Madiba's present wife Graça Machel and former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela hugged after helping him to cut his birthday cake. : The presence of Madiba's former wife at the triple celebration - it also marked his sixth wedding anniversary with Machel and the "graduation" of his grandson Gaddafi from initiation school - was warmly welcomed by family members gathered for the occasion. : "It is a special day for us. It is good to see the family together, especially my grandparents," said Zoleka Mandela, daughter of Madikizela-Mandela's daughter Zinzi Mandela. : "This is touching for us ... we are rejoicing at this family reunion," said another of Mandela's grandchildren, Nandi, granddaughter of Mandela's late first wife, Evelyn. : Madikizela-Mandela was seated at the main table along with Madiba and his wife Graça. Others sitting with them were Nozuko Matanzima, the widow of former Transkeian chief minister Kaizer Matanzima, JFPI Chairman M'Zée Fula-Ngenge and Eastern Cape Health MEC Bevan Goqwana. : Also present was Mandela's eldest son from his first marriage, Makgatho, his sibling Makaziwe Mandela and her daughters Nandi and Ndileka, Mandela and Madikizela-Mandela's daughters Zinzi and Zenani, and their children, other close relatives and traditional leaders from the area. : Madikizela-Mandela and Machel, who had helped Mandela cut one of his birthday cakes - three had been placed on a table next to the stage in the hall - kissed and hugged afterwards. It was obvious that Mandela's previous and current wives were on good terms. : After cutting the cake, decorated with Madiba's face and an "86", Madiba went back to his chair while guests stood and applauded. : : Madikizela-Mandela wore a long black-and-cream traditional Xhosa outfit with a beaded black turban, accessorised with a colourful beaded neck adornment. Machel was more formal in a black suit, the jacket trimmed in gold, with a yellow bandana. : Mandela wore black trousers with a ubiquitous "Madiba shirt", which matched his wife's jacket. : As usual, Madikizela-Mandela was surrounded by her bodyguards as she walked into the hall. : In the morning Madiba had joined Qunu elders at a kraal where Gaddafi's "graduation ceremony" was held. He gave his grandson R200, telling him that he was "now a man" and should spend the money like an adult. : "We are celebrating three important events. This day will have an impact on us for a long, long time," said Zinzi Mandela. : Gaddafi was taken to his grandfather's house, where Madikizela-Mandela and Machel visited him even though, by tradition, they were not allowed to touch him. He also could not attend the birthday lunch. : President Thabo Mbeki led a chorus of birthday wishes to Mandela yesterday, describing his predecessor from 1994 to 1999 as "an icon of his age". : Mbeki expressed gratitude for his "selfless service", adding: "The world has not the honours at its disposal to fully salute his life's work." : "Madiba remains a beloved national hero to all South Africans," the Democratic Alliance said in a statement. "He is a national treasure and an icon to millions of people across the world." : IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi said Mandela's leadership was urgently needed to overcome "the seemingly impossible challenges of HIV/Aids, crime, corruption, poverty and unemployment". : The New National Party said the nation was indebted to Mandela for his selfless service. Party secretary-general Daryl Swanepoel said South Africans should "draw from his example by asking how we can help others in need". :

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