As the world's favourite octogenarian turns 90, we reflect on the characteristics and moments which have defined this great and beloved man.

Eight reasons why we love Madiba

More than just a revered statesman and a moral compass for the world, Madiba has proved himself to be a truly versatile and remarkable individual. Here are eight reasons why we love Madiba.

Fashion icon – Famous for his African-style patterned shirts, Madiba has given rise to a new style of dress in South Africa known as ‘Madiba smart’ which has given people the confidence to dress differently. Modern versions of traditional African outfits have become acceptable alternatives to the black tie.

Rock star – Madiba lent more than just his prison number to the 46664 Aids awareness concerts. The Queen song ‘Invincible Hope’ features samples of Madiba’s voice, which caused band members to joke that he had also become a rapper.

Golf legend – The Nelson Mandela Invitational charity golf tournament, hosted by Gary Player, has raised over R20-million for children’s charities since its inception in 2000.

Scholar – Amongst his many awards, Madiba has received honorary degrees from more than 50 international universities.

Sportsman – A keen boxer in his youth, Madiba has contributed significantly to sport in South Africa, uniting the country during the 1995 Rugby World Cup and helping South Africa to win the opportunity to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Tatamkhulu – A champion of voiceless South African children, Madiba is a grandfather figure for the entire nation. The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund has supported numerous children’s charities, including a R1-million donation to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital.

Superhero – Madiba has indirectly saved countless lives, not only because he steered South Africa through a peaceful transition to democracy, but also through his post-presidential work. He has campaigned tirelessly for the rights of women, children and those affected by Aids. His various funds plan to collectively raise R1-billion to uplift the lives of South Africans by 2009.

Celebrity guru – Madiba is the celebrity’s celebrity. His wise counsel and blessing are sought by the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton, Bono, Naomi Campbell, David Beckham, Richard Branson and Charlize Theron.

Nine magic Madiba moments

Here are nine magic Madiba moments which we feel have not only shaped the course of South African history, but which have also given the public a glimpse of the man that is Nelson Mandela.

1964 – Rivonia Trial: During the 1963-64 trial of 10 ANC leaders for 221 acts of sabotage, Mandela, facing the possibility of death, made the following historic statement:

“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to the struggle of African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

11 February 1990 – Freedom: Finally a free man, having spent 27 years in jail, Mandela appeared at the gates of the Victor Verster Prison in Paarl. He smiled, and punched the air in a victory salute to the roar of the ecstatic crowd. Later that day, when he appeared on the balcony of the Cape Town City Hall to speak to the 50 000 people assembled outside he said: “Our struggle has reached a decisive moment. Our march to freedom is irreversible.”

10 December 1993 – Nobel Peace Prize: Mandela, together with then-state president FW de Klerk, won the Noble Peace Prize for his contribution to the peaceful transformation of South Africa. In doing so, he joined fellow South African Nobel Peace Prize laureates Chief Albert Luthuli and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. In his speech he indicated that the award, whilst a recognition for work done, was also a call for further work.

“Let it never be said by future generations that indifference, cynicism or selfishness made us fail to live up to the ideals of humanism which the Nobel Peace Prize encapsulates.”

9 May 1994 – Inaugural Speech: During his inaugural speech as the first black president of South Africa, Mandela set the tone of reconciliation which was to characterise his presidency.

“We place our vision of a new constitutional order for South Africa on the table not as conquerors, prescribing to the conquered. We speak as fellow citizens to heal the wounds of the past with the intent of constructing a new order based on justice for all.”

24 June 1995 – Rugby World Cup: Before the final of the 1995 Rugby World Cup between South Africa and New Zealand, Madiba came onto the field to meet the players. Wearing the number six Springbok jersey – the emblem previously perceived as a symbol of the white man’s sport in South Africa – Mandela wished the players luck as tens of thousands of fans chanted his name. The image of Madiba handing the trophy to a victorious Francios Pienaar has attained iconic status as one of the greatest sporting moments of the century.

18 July 1998 – Weds Graça Machel: Madiba celebrated his 80th birthday by marrying former first lady of Mozambique, Graça Machel, in a private ceremony at his home. That evening at his star-studded birthday bash, Madiba delighted audiences when, surrounded by kids and standing in front of his birthday cake, he said: “My wife and I…” The audience erupted in cheers and whistles as he kissed her before continuing: “My wife and I say thank you very much.”

29 November 2003 – 46664 concert: The first 46664 held in Cape Town in 2003, performed in front of 40 000, saw Madiba team up with the likes of Bono, Beyoncé, The Corrs, Bob Geldof and Brian May in a campaign to create awareness about HIV/Aids. On stage, surrounded by rock stars, Madiba had the following to say:

“Aids is no longer just a disease. It is a human rights issue…Millions of people infected with HIV and Aids are in danger of being reduced to mere numbers unless we act. They too are serving a prison sentence for life so I have allowed my prison number to help drive this campaign.”

6 January 2005 – Son dies of Aids: After his son Makgatho’s death, surrounded by grieving family members, Madiba proved his commitment to Aids awareness by publicly announcing that his son died of Aids.

“Let us give publicity to HIV/Aids and not hide it, because [that is] the only way to make it appear like a normal illness.”

19 September 2006 – Ambassador of Conscience Award: Amnesty International’s most prestigious honour, the Ambassador of Conscience Award, was present to Mandela by South African writer and Nobel laureate, Nadine Gordimer, at his home in Johannesburg. On receiving the award, the retired statesman reiterated that the fight for justice is not over, focussing his attention on poverty.

“Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is people who have made poverty and tolerated poverty, and it is people who will overcome it. And overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.”

Happy 90th birthday Madiba! You have led by example and taught us the meaning of a full and worthy life and for this we thank you.