Nelson Mandela

Mandela arrives at ANC last mass rally

African national Congress leader Nelson MandelaJohannesb

Director of Mandela biopic has "inspirational" meeting with icon

Director of Mandela biopic has "inspirational" meeting with icon Johannesburg  - The filmaker who will direct the biopic of former South African president Nelson Mandela has described his recent meeting with the anti-apartheid icon as "inspirational."

British director Tom Hooper, who will direct the film adaptation of Mandela's best-selling autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, and the film's South African producer Anant Singh met the 90-year-old anti-apartheid icon in Johannesburg last week, Singh's company said in a statement Friday.

ANC denies being cavalier with Mandela's health during rally outing

African National CongressJohannesburg  - South Africa's ruling African National Congress said it would never endanger the health of former president Nelson Mandela after drawing criticism for flying him to an election rally in wet conditions to support the party.

At a press conference Monday the ANC's campaign director Fikile Mbabula insisted: "The ANC would not put the life of Madiba at risk," referring to Mandela by his clan name.

Mbalula also insisted that the 90-year-old anti-apartheid icon had expressly asked to attend an ANC rally together with controversial leader, Jacob Zuma.

Mandela: Obama's inauguration recalls joy at his election in 1994

Mandela: Obama's inauguration recalls joy at his election in 1994 Johannesburg - Congratulating Barack Obama on his inauguration as the first black president of the United States Tuesday, iconic former South African president Nelson Mandela said the historic event reminded him of the excitement that surrounded his own election as his country's first democratically-elected president.

Mandela pays tribute to Makeba: "South Africa's first lady of song"

Nelson MandelaJohannesburg - Nelson Mandela on Monday paid tribute to singer and fellow anti-apartheid icon Miriam Makeba, calling her "South Africa's first lady of song."

"The sudden passing of our beloved Miriam has saddened us and our nation," the former South African president and Nobel laureate said.

"It was fitting that her last moments were spent on a stage, enriching the hearts and lives of others - and again in support of a good cause," he added.

Obama wins a coup for audacity of hope: Mandela

Nelson MandelaJohannesburg - Former South African president Nelson Mandela said Wednesday Barack Obama's election to the White House was a triumph for hope.

In a letter of congratulation to the president-elect, Mandela, 90, said: "Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place."

Pages