Nelson Mandela, who has practically become a household name in Africa was born 95yrs ago today!

After spending 27yrs in prison he was elected the first black president of South Africa and his government was fully focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid through tackling institutionalised racism, poverty and inequality, and fostering racial reconciliation… reasons which initially landed him in prison.

He reigned from the year 1994-1999 (just one tenure). After the hard years of fighting apatheid, Madiba’s life  has been pretty peaceful although he has indeed received some of life’s gruesome gift such as burying some of his children and grand children, battling cancer and others. More recently though, things have taken a down turn, as he has been flitting in and out of the hospital due to health issues and there’s even been the constant fright of Madiba being at his life end. Also adding to negative media and tumult in Mandela’s life is the struggle that the Mandela clan have been having amongst themselves over burial grounds for Madiba and other deceased Mandelas and also over his fortune…it’s almost as if they can’t wait for him to give up the ghost…

Anyhoo, today we dwell on the positive and we say a BIG Happy bday to the Papa Oku of the day. Even if you are celebrating your 95th year  in the hospital, we are hopefully that you will have a quick recovery. We pray for peace and more “mandela bravery” on this truly beautiful and remarkable day!

Cheers Papa!