“Former South African President Nelson Mandela is alive and kicking.”

These were the words of Acting-President Kgalema Motlanthe late last night in a statement from the South African Government on the condition on the ailing Mandela.

This afternoon, at a press conference arranged to calm the mood in the country and to allay fears that Madiba (The clan name of Mandela) has passed away, Motlanthe confirmed that, while Mandela has indeed been admitted to the MillPark Hospital for treatment, he was fine and ready to be discharged for home-care.

I have been monitoring the news-wires for any updates the whole afternoon (Friday 28 January 2011) and finally managed to capture the pressie from South Africa via my iPhone (courtesy of Sky News here in Hong Kong):

(Turn up your volume if required)

“I’m still here” Stay strong Tata.

And then…. after the press conference, we danced, Madiba-style! Turn up the volume…

Dear Tata Mandela,

Today is your special day.  Mine was a week ago.  Please have a lekker day and don’t let the fact that the whole world wants to be in on it, deter you from having a wonderful day with Graca and your family.

We wish you love, health, peace and lots of rest.

Mike, Priscilla, Micaela and Ethan Jansen

Hung Hom Bay

Hong Kong

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela cartoon by Zapiro

PS. We asked The Arch to say something special on your birthday: