Johannesburg - On the eve of former South African president Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday on Friday, tributes to one of the world's favourite statesmen continued to pour in to the happybirthdaymandela. com website from around the world.

Tens of thousands of politicians, musicians, sporting heroes and ordinary fans of the man referred to affectionately in South Africa by his clan name Madiba have sent him birthday wishes through the website, which also aims to raise money for his myriad of charities.

"No celebration or card can be big enough to encompass all the lives you have touched," read a message sent by former US president Bill Clinton, his wife, Senator Hillary Clinton and daughter Chelsea.

"Your sacrifices, your accomplishments, and your many gifts to our world have affected those no longer with us, as well as those not yet born," the Clintons added.

"Nelson Mandela is a leader no prison cell, no intimidation, no threat could silence," British Prime Minister Gordon Brown wrote, while Spanish film director Pedro Almodovar declared: "We love you in Spain Mr Mandela."

The website was set up ahead of the London charity rock concert last month that marked the start of Mandela's birthday celebrations.

Those celebrations have also included the launch of a new series of Mandela stamps, a five-rand Mandela coin, bangles engraved with the name of his HIV/AIDS charity,
46664 and a collection of eight comic books depicting his life.

As Mandela turns 90, the brains-trust of senior statesmen and women he launched to try to mediate in conflicts around the world will be also be blowing out the candles on the first anniversary of its launch.

Over the past year, members of group known as The Elders have mediated in conflicts in Kenya, Sudan and other areas, often acting behind the scenes.

The group, which includes South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, former US president Jimmy Carter, former Irish president Mary Robinson, Burmese activist Aung San Suu Kyi and other rights activists and ex-politicians, were meeting Wednesday and Thursday in Johannesburg.

No major official events are planned in South Africa on Mandela's birthday. His African National Congress party says it will mark the milestone event at a rally in Pretoria on August 2.

The man dubbed the father of the nation for leading the struggle to end white minority rule in 1994 will instead be celebrating with a private party for friends and family at his ancestral home in the Eastern Cape.

Mandela's grandson, Zwelivelile (Mandla Mandela), a chieftain in Mandela's birthplace of Mvezo and one of the organizers of the bash, told a Sunday newspaper around
500 guests were expected.

The invitees will likely also be called on to raise a glass to Mandela and former Mozambican first lady, Graca Machel, who celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary on Friday.

Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, with whom he appears to enjoy cordial relations, has said she will also be at the party. (dpa)