Identity area
Reference code
ZA COM MR-S-1063
Title
Letter to Albertina Sisulu on her 85th birthday
Date(s)
- 2003-10-21 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
Transcription of speech made by Mr Mandela
Context area
Name of creator
Repository
Archival history
Migrated from the Nelson Mandela Speeches Database (Sep-2018).
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Official opening of the Albertina Sisulu Centre in celebration of her 85th birthday
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
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Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Language and script notes
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Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
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Related units of description
Publication note
Letter to MaSisulu read by her grandson Shaka. Mandela could not make the event because he was in London launching an Aids campaign
Notes area
Note
TRANSCRIPT
Dear Albertina
I would so much have wanted to be here today to celebrate with you and the family.
Please accept my best wishes on your 85th birthday and sincere apologies for my absence.
You know better than anybody how much you have been a part of myself over so many years and decades. Absence has, strangely, been a binding element of that relationship. I know that you will know that I am with you in spirit as you celebrate this day.
You had to spend many birthdays without Xhamela physically at your side. Today, however, is the first one after his final departure from us. I realise how much pain this day must hold for you, too. Together with you, I remember him on this day. The two of you were so much one that we could only look on in admiration and inspiration.
May the day have its happiness for you as you are surrounded by the children and family; and in the knowledge that the entire country will be celebrating with one of the Grand Ladies of our nation.
May the years ahead be filled with contentment, happiness, love and good health.
*The letter was signed by Mandela and his wife, Graca Machel.
Dear Albertina
I would so much have wanted to be here today to celebrate with you and the family.
Please accept my best wishes on your 85th birthday and sincere apologies for my absence.
You know better than anybody how much you have been a part of myself over so many years and decades. Absence has, strangely, been a binding element of that relationship. I know that you will know that I am with you in spirit as you celebrate this day.
You had to spend many birthdays without Xhamela physically at your side. Today, however, is the first one after his final departure from us. I realise how much pain this day must hold for you, too. Together with you, I remember him on this day. The two of you were so much one that we could only look on in admiration and inspiration.
May the day have its happiness for you as you are surrounded by the children and family; and in the knowledge that the entire country will be celebrating with one of the Grand Ladies of our nation.
May the years ahead be filled with contentment, happiness, love and good health.
*The letter was signed by Mandela and his wife, Graca Machel.
Note
EDITORIAL INFORMATION
4th paragraph last sentence was changed: :"inspired" to "inspiration" - The two of you were so much one that we could only look on in admiration and inspiration.
4th paragraph last sentence was changed: :"inspired" to "inspiration" - The two of you were so much one that we could only look on in admiration and inspiration.
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
- Africa » South Africa » Gauteng » Johannesburg » Soweto
Name access points
- Sisulu, Albertina Nontsikelelo (Subject)
Genre access points
Description control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
Acquisition method: From hard drive ; Source: Nelson Mandela Foundation Prof J Gerwel. Accessioned on 02/03/09 by Razia Saleh