Nelson Mandela Pictured With Bill Clinton On Eve Of 94th Birthday (PICTURES)

Nelson Mandela Pictured With Bill Clinton On Eve Of 94th Birthday (PICTURES)
|

Former American president Bill Clinton paid a visit to Nelson Mandela on the eve of the Nobel peace laureate's 94th birthday.

Mandela, who became South Africa's first black president in 1994, spent two hours with Clinton at his home in Qunu.

Clinton was in the region to open a library and primary school with Mandela's wife Graca Machel and daughter Zindzi.

Open Image Modal

Reunited: Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton pictured at his home on July 17

Clinton told AFP: "Even though he will be 94 tomorrow, when I think about Mandela I always think about someone committed to the future.

"It was a great honour for me to serve as a president of America while Mandela was president of the Republic of South Africa.

"We worked together as presidents and even after we left office we continued working together to improve education of the children worldwide in order for them to share the future."

Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison fighting racist rule, was hospitalised briefly in February and has largely withdrawn from public life.

To commemorate his remarkable life on his big day, we've collated 94 images of him throughout the ages, including his prison mug shot, meetings with heads of state, past and present including Muammar Gaddafi, the Queen and Margaret Thatcher.

We've also unearthed pictures of the great man with the Spice Girls, Michael Jackson and His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.

The special day has also become known as Mandela Day - an initiative of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. People worldwide are encouraged to devote time (specifically 67 minutes in recognition of his 67 years of service) community service to pay tribute to the anti-apartheid icon.

You can make your own pledge for global good at the official pledge book - a cause already receiving support from the likes of Desmond Tutu, Charlize Theron, Eddie Izzard, Jamie Oliver, One Direction and Lewis Hamilton.

Izzard, who sadly had to abort a marathon tribute to the icon, said: "Nelson Mandela is my greatest inspiration and on 18 July, his 94th birthday, is still a shining example to the world of what is possible.

"That is why I am joining millions building his legacy - Nelson Mandela's global movement for good at Mandela Day Pledge. I urge you to do likewise."

A statement from the One Direction camp said: “Nelson Mandela is an icon of our time and the idea behind Nelson Mandela Day is for people to take a moment to think of other people and even pledge a little time to help. Nelson Mandela turns 94 on July 18th, he has donated 67 years of that to helping others. Join us in the pledge book."

What's more, every person who pledges will automatically be entered in to a draw to win the chance to fly to South Africa and present the Pledge Book to the Nelson Mandela Foundation with a partner, courtesy of South African Airways.

Happy Birthday, Nelson Mandela
(01 of94)
Open Image Modal
South African President Nelson Mandela signs a rugby ball during a ceremony where he received the Freedom of the City and County of Cardiff (credit:PA)
(02 of94)
Open Image Modal
(03 of94)
Open Image Modal
Nelson Mandela (credit:Getty Images)
(04 of94)
Open Image Modal
A Nelson Mandela fan has his hero immortalised in ink (credit:Getty Images)
(05 of94)
Open Image Modal
A coffee cup mosaic depicting the former South African president's face (credit:Getty Images)
(06 of94)
Open Image Modal
Nelson Mandela stands with the Duke of Gloucester as he is invested as a Knight of St John. The 86-year-old former President of South Africa receives his insignia - an eight-pointed cross - at a ceremony in St James's Palace, London. 17/12/04 (credit:PA)
(07 of94)
Open Image Modal
Nelson Mandela at the Make Poverty History Rally, which was held in Trafalgar Square in central London, 2005. Some 220 unions, pressure groups, charities, faith groups and celebrities have joined together to put pressure on the government to deliver fair trade and further dept relief to developing countries. Alma Robinson/allactiondigital.com (credit:PA)
(08 of94)
Open Image Modal
British Prime Minister Tony Blair is greeted by former South African President Nelson Mandela at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, May 31, 2007 (credit:PA)
(09 of94)
Open Image Modal
Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown, left, shares a joke with Nelson Mandela,centre, and his wife Sarah Brown, right, at 10 Downing Street, London. Tuesday Aug. 28, 2007. A statue of the former South African president is being unveiled in London on Aug. 29. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (credit:PA)
(10 of94)
Open Image Modal
FIFA President Sepp Blatter meets Nelson Mandela and gives him a replica of the World Cup trophy. 2008 (credit:PA)
(11 of94)
Open Image Modal
A jovial Nelson Mandela takes his seat in Soweto's Jabulani Stadium, Feb. 13, 1990, before addressing a crowd of 120,000 who packed the venue to hear him speak. Mandela, leader of the African National Congress, was released from from prison two days before. (AP Photo) (credit:PA)
(12 of94)
Open Image Modal
Prince Charles with Nelson Mandela & the Spice Girls at a charity concert 1997 (credit:PA)
(13 of94)
Open Image Modal
U.S. superstar Michael Jackson, right, hugs South African President Nelson Mandela, at the conclusion of a brief meeting at Mandela's Pretoria residence Saturday, July 20, 1996. Jackson was on a three-day visit to South Africa. (AP Photo/Adil Bradlow) (credit:PA)
(14 of94)
Open Image Modal
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II meets former South African President Nelson Mandela and his wife Graca Machel at Buckingham Palace, London.Picture Date: Wednesday June 25, 2008. The meeting is part of a week long visit marking the former South African President's 90th birthday. See PA story ROYAL Mandela. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire (credit:PA)
(15 of94)
Open Image Modal
In this July 4, 1993 file photo, President Bill Clinton, left, and Nelson Mandela listen during Fourth of July ceremonies in Philadelphia during which Clinton presented the Philadelphia Liberty Medal to the African National Congress president and South African President F.W. de Klerk. (AP Photo/Greg Gibson, file) (credit:PA)
(16 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African President Nelson Mandela is seen in Johannesburg, Tuesday Sept. 2, 2008, as the Oxford University Press and The Mandela Rhodes Foundation announced a partnership to promote leadership and scholarship in Africa. The partnership will see at least 18 scholars benefit from financial and educational support within the first five years. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell) (credit:PA)
(17 of94)
Open Image Modal
In this Wednesday August 21, 1996, file photo Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama, right, meets with President Nelson Mandela, left, in Cape Town South Africa. South Africa said Monday, March 23, 2009, it wanted to avoid being the source of bad publicity about trading partner China, and ended up itself the target of sharp criticism for barring the Dalai Lama from a peace conference in Johannesburg later this week. Friday's conference is now the target of a boycott by retired Cape Town Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former president F.W. de Klerk and members of the Nobel Committee who had been expected to be among Nobel laureates, Hollywood celebrities and other dignitaries discussing issues ranging from combatting racism to promoting sports to bring people and nations together. (AP Photo/Sasa Kralj, File) (credit:PA)
(18 of94)
Open Image Modal
A child dressed as a doctor sits on the lap of South Africa's former president Nelson Mandela, Friday, July 31, 2009 during the launch of a children's hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Mandela has combined his 91st birthday celebration with the opening of a new children's hospital. According to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, which spearheaded the project, the hospital will be the fifth devoted to providing specialist medical care to children on the continent. Two others are in Egypt, one is in Kenya, and the other is in Cape Town. (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo) (credit:PA)
(19 of94)
Open Image Modal
Nelson Mandela, a senior member of the African National Congress, in prison on Robben Island. 1964 (credit:PA)
(20 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African Former President Nelson Mandela leaves after he attended the memorial of his great-granddaughter Zenani Mandela at the St Stithian's College Chapel in Sandton, north of Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday, June 17, 2010. Thirteen-year-old Zenani Mandela was killed in a car that overturned on June 10 as it took her home from a pre-World Cup concert in Soweto. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, POOL) (credit:PA)
(21 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African Former President Nelson Mandela is led by his wife Grace Machel, right, as they arrive for a memorial service for his great-granddaughter Zenani Mandela at the St Stithian's College Chapel in Sandton, north of Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday, June 17, 2010. Thirteen-year-old Zenani Mandela was killed in a car that overturned on June 10 as it took her home from a pre-World Cup concert in Soweto. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, POOL) (credit:PA)
(22 of94)
Open Image Modal
Nelson Mandela enjoying his first look at his wax work model at Madame Tussauds, London. 1991 (credit:PA)
(23 of94)
Open Image Modal
Libyan President Moammar Gadhafi, right, and South African President Nelson Mandela salute the crowd as they arrive at the congress center in Zuwarah, 60 miles (100 kilometers) west of Tripoli, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 1997. Mandela stopped in Libya on his way back from the Commomwealth summit in Scotland to honor Gadhafi with the Cape Horn award, the highest South African honor to foreign figures. (AP Photo/Enric Marti)
(24 of94)
Open Image Modal
Nelson Mandela, left, and his wife Winnie, right, at Cape Town's airport prior to a flight to Johannesburg in this February 1990 photo, the day after his release from prison. (credit:PA)
(25 of94)
Open Image Modal
Pope John Paul II, right, shakes hands with Nelson Mandela, deputy leader of African National Congress, during a private audience at the Vatican, Friday, June 15, 1990, Rome, Italy. (AP Photo/Claudio Luffoli) (credit:PA)
(26 of94)
Open Image Modal
South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela meets with Palestinian Liberation Organization Chairman Yasser Arafat, right, on Sunday, May 20, 1990 in Cairo. Both are in Cairo to meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. (credit:PA)
(27 of94)
Open Image Modal
South African President Nelson Mandela stands with The Queen in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace on his arrival for a state banquet in his honour. See PA story MANDELA Visit. WPA Rota photo by John Stillwell/PA (credit:PA)
(28 of94)
Open Image Modal
Robben Island prison where Nelson Mandela was kept for years. Royal Danish visit to South Africa. (credit:PA)
(29 of94)
Open Image Modal
Robben Island prison where Nelson Mandela was kept for years. Royal Danish visit to South Africa. (credit:PA)
(30 of94)
Open Image Modal
On the stage of the concert held in his honour, Deputy President of the African National Congress, Nelson Mandela addressed and saluted the crowd, with a clenched fist, in Wembley Stadium, London, April 16, 1990, and thanked them for their support during his 27 years in prison. Mandela's wife Winnie applauds her husband, left. The five-hour concert was televised in over 40 countries and all the proceeds went to charities. (AP Photo/Staff/Allen) (credit:PA)
(31 of94)
Open Image Modal
In this 1961 file photo, Nelson Mandela, then a 42-year-old, political activist and an able heavyweight boxer and physical culturist, is seen. The son of a minor chieftain, Mandela took his degree in Law at the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. (AP Photo, file) (credit:PA)
(32 of94)
Open Image Modal
Schoolchildren from Mqekezweni greet ANC President Nelson Mandela during his visit Saturday, March 5, 1994. Mandela went to school in this village and returned to visit it during his two-day campaign tour of the Transkei for the upcoming all-race general elections scheduled for April 27. (AP Photo/David Brauchli) (credit:PA)
(33 of94)
Open Image Modal
South African president Nelson Mandela kisses his wife Winnie Mandela at a rally in Cape Town in early 1993. Local radio reported Thursday Aug.17 1995 that Nelson Mandela had hired a lawyer to institute divorce proceedings against his wife. (AP PHOTO/BENNY GOOL) (credit:PA)
(34 of94)
Open Image Modal
South African President Nelson Mandela holds up a traditional Zulu shield and stick during the African National Congress' final election rally in Inzinga in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands Monday June 24, 1996, ahead of this week's delayed local government elections.(AP Photo/Adil Bradlow)Ref #: PA.7577680 (credit:PA)
(35 of94)
Open Image Modal
President and Mrs. Clinton stand with South African President Nelson Mandela and his daughter, Zinzi Mandela Hlongwane, Tuesday night, Oct., 4, 1994 at the North Portico of the White House. The Clintons hosted a state dinner for Mandela. (AP Photo/Marcy Nighswander) (credit:PA)
(36 of94)
Open Image Modal
The three ANC Youth Leaders, Nelson Mandela, centre, Walter Sisulu, left, and Harrison Motlana, pictured in 1952 during the Defiance Campaign trial at the Johannesburg Supreme Court, South Africa. The Defiance Campaign encourages blacks to defy apartheid laws. (AP Photo) (credit:PA)
(37 of94)
Open Image Modal
African National Congress President Nelson Mandela prior to the taping of Rev. Jesse Jacksons 'Both Sides' show at CNN studios in Washington Saturday, Sept. 25, 1993. The show will be broadcast 9 p.m. EDT Saturday. (credit:PA)
(38 of94)
Open Image Modal
Nelson Mandela holds up two pens given to him by the Union of Mine Workers at his victory celebration on Monday, May 2, 1994 in Johannesburg. Mandela was celebrating the win which is set to sweep him and the ANC to power after South Africa's first all-race elections. The mine workers asked him to sign the new constitution and other important documents with the pens. (credit:PA)
(39 of94)
Open Image Modal
Nelson Mandela, deputy President of the African National Congress, casts his vote for new leadership in the ANC, Friday, June 5, 1991, Durban South Africa. (credit:PA)
(40 of94)
Open Image Modal
England's Michael Atherton (centre) meets South African President Nelson Mandela (second left)World Cup Qualifier%0D Ian Rush, Wales %0D celebrates after %0D scoring against the %0D RCS (credit:PA)
(41 of94)
Open Image Modal
SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA GREETS SPANISH PRESIDENT JOSE MARIA AZNAR, AT THE EUROPEAN SUMMIT IN CARDIFF. (credit:PA)
(42 of94)
Open Image Modal
Prime Minister John Major meets President Nelson Mandela at Downing Street today (Wed) the second day of the South African leader's state visit to the country. Nelson Mandela was born on July the 18th, 1918. (credit:PA)
(43 of94)
Open Image Modal
The Duchess of Kent shares a joke with South African President Nelson Mandela in the Union Building in Pretoria, South Africa where she took time out from a visit to the country in her role as Patron of the UK Committe for UNICEF and he interupted a cabinet meeting to meet her. Picture by Stefan Rousseau/PA. (credit:PA)
(44 of94)
Open Image Modal
South African President Nelson Mandela arrived at Heathrow airport with the woman who has replaced his ex-wife Winnie, grinning at suggestions he was to marry her. Graca Machel, widow of Mozambique president Samora Machel. * Who will be alongside Mr Mandela when he meets the Queen at Buckingham Palace. (credit:PA)
(45 of94)
Open Image Modal
The Prince of Wales (left) and South Africa's President, Nelson Mandela, shake hands before tonight's (Tuesday) banquet in Cape town. POOL PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN STILLWELL/PA. (credit:PA)
(46 of94)
Open Image Modal
President Nelson Mandela (left) meets World Boxing Council heavyweight title holder Lennox Lewis on his arrival at the South African High Commission in London where Mr Mandela was hosting a fund raising breakfast in aid of the 'Nelson Mandela Children's Fund' which aims to help South African children who are homeless, without adequate education or in need of disaster relief. (credit:PA)
(47 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African President Nelson Mandela dances on stage at the Peacock theatre after his lecture, held in the London School of Economics and Political Science. (credit:PA)
(48 of94)
Open Image Modal
Microsoft CEO Bill Gates, left, has a warm greeting for Nelson Mandela, at a Global Health Forum at the University of Washington in Seattle. Mandela is spending three days in the Seattle area. (credit:PA)
(49 of94)
Open Image Modal
South African President Nelson Mandela, left, holds hands with Diana Princess of Wales during a photocall in Cape Town, Monday, March 17 1997. Princess Diana payed the courtesy visit to Mandela while visiting her brother, Earl Spencer, in Cape Town. (AP PHOTO/Sasa Kralj) (credit:PA)
(50 of94)
Open Image Modal
South African President Nelson Mandela, center dances with Gauteng Provincial Premier Tokio Sexwale, right, to a song by artist Condry Siqubu, left, Sunday January 7 1996. The event took place during the African National Congress' 84th birthday celebrations held in Carltonville, a mining town approximately 60 miles (100 kms) south-west of Johannesburg. (AP Photo/Conus Bodenstein) (credit:PA)
(51 of94)
Open Image Modal
South Africa's President Nelson Mandela arrives to greet Queen Elizabeth II as she visits the country for the first time since 1947 (credit:PA)
(52 of94)
Open Image Modal
In this Saturday, June 24, 1995 file photo South African rugby captain Francios Pienaar, left, receives the Rugby World Cup from South African President Nelson Mandela, who wears a South African rugby shirt, after they defeated New Zealand in the final 15-12 at Ellis Park, Johannesburg. (AP Photo/Ross Setford, File) (credit:PA)
(53 of94)
Open Image Modal
Desmond Tutu and former South African President Nelson Mandela after their country was awarded the 2010 World Cup (credit:PA)
(54 of94)
Open Image Modal
Nelson Mandela waves to the crowd 2004 (credit:PA)
(55 of94)
Open Image Modal
Nelson Mandela stretches his legs (credit:PA)
(56 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African President, Nelson Mandela, with his wife, Graca, in Bedford town centre, after he unveiled a bust of the late Archbishop Trevor Huddleston in Bedford town centre during a brief visit to the UK. * Archbishop Huddleston was a friend and co-campaigner against apartheid, who died two years ago, the bust was unveiled in October 1999, but Mr. Mandela was unable to attend the ceremony due to previous commitments. (credit:PA)
(57 of94)
Open Image Modal
Ireland's President Mary McAleese with former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, when they met at the Presidents Palace in Dublin. Mr Mandela will receive at Honoray Degree at Trinity College, Dublin. (credit:PA)
(58 of94)
Open Image Modal
(credit:PA)
(59 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African President Nelson Mandela addresses an awards ceremony, as he receives the "Ethnic Multicultural Media Awards " (EMMA) Lifetime Achievement Award' at The South Africa High Commission, London. (credit:PA)
(60 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African President Nelson Mandela greets Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott (left) as Prime Minister Tony Blair looks on at the Labour Party Conference in Brighton. (credit:PA)
(61 of94)
Open Image Modal
(credit:PA)
(62 of94)
Open Image Modal
(credit:PA)
(63 of94)
Open Image Modal
(credit:PA)
(64 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South Africa President Nelson Mandela talks to the first Mandela Magdalene Scholar Thabo Makupula, after a ceremony at Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he was being made an Honorary Fellow. *Around 100 students and staff had gathered to welcome Mr Mandela and he donned the scarlet and cherry robes of a Doctor of Law of Cambridge University before heading off to an admissions ceremony to receive his fellowship. (credit:PA)
(65 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African President Nelson Mandela gestures as he speaks to the media during a press conference in the prison's visitors' room, Barlinnie prison, Glasgow. Mandela called for a fresh appeal in the case of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi. * ... His comments came after meeting Megrahi for more than an hour in the Glasgow prison. (credit:PA)
(66 of94)
Open Image Modal
Nelson Mandela smiles to the crowds at National University of Galway after being conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Laws. (credit:PA)
(67 of94)
Open Image Modal
Nelson Mandela was paying a personal tribute to two prominent anti-apartheid activists at their former home in Camden, north London. * The former South African president was unveiling a blue plaque at 13 Lime Street where Ruth First and her husband, Joe Slovo, lived between 1966 and 1978. (credit:PA)
(68 of94)
Open Image Modal
Nelson Mandela holds up a mobile phone during the launch of a new charity initiative to combat AIDS/HIV issues around the world at the London Hilton. The former South African president gave his backing to the music-led campaign by joining celebrities from the music world to launch 46664, Give 1 Minute Of Your Life To Aids, an awareness and fundraising campaign which uses his prison number on Robben Island. (credit:PA)
(69 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African President Nelson Mandela, left, musician, Vusi Mahlasela, center, and television presenter Leanne Manas, right, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Monday, July 11, 2005, where Mandela welcomed four prominent South African celebrities to the Nelson Mandela Foundation as part of his 87th birthday celebrations. 46664 is Mandela's official prisoner number used during his years of incarceration. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) (credit:PA)
(70 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African President Nelson Mandela, right, with former U.S. President Bill Clinton, left, during the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in honour of Mandela who turned 87 Monday in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday, July 19, 2005. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
(71 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African President Nelson Mandela, left, speaks after meeting with American boxing promoter Don King, right, at Nelson Mandela Foundation offices in Johannesburg, South Africa. (credit:PA)
(72 of94)
Open Image Modal
South African President Nelson Mandela, center, is applauded by his daughter Zinzie, left, and supermodel Naomi Campbell, right, at a special birthday party held near Skukuza in Kruger National Park. When you mean all the things to a nation that Nelson Mandela means to South Africa, your personal milestones become national events. So the entire country is celebrating Mandela's 80th birthday as he entertains 1,400 poor children at a game resort, and it is buzzing with rumors thathe's about to marry. Boy at center is unidentified. (credit:PA)
(73 of94)
Open Image Modal
Senegalese captain Aliou Cisse, left, introduces former South African President Nelson Mandela, second from left, to his teammates during the Nelson Mandela Challenge between Senegal and South Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa. World Cup quarterfinalist Senegal won the eighth Nelson Mandela Challenge on Tuesday, 4-1, in a surprising penalty shootout after playing South Africa to a 1-1 draw in regulation at Ellis Park. (credit:PA)
(74 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African President Nelson Mandela, left, with British singer Annie Lennox, right, and U.S. singer Beyonce Knowles, center, on Robben Island, Cape Town, South Africa. The singers will perform Saturday at the Nelson Mandela 46664 (Mandela's prisoner number) AIDS Awareness concert. (credit:PA)
(75 of94)
Open Image Modal
West Indian cricket captain Brian Lara, left, presents former South African president Nelson Mandela with a signed cricket bat during a meeting in Johannesburg Wednesday Sept. 21, 2005. (AP Photo/Juda Ngwenya) (credit:PA)
(76 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African President Nelson Mandela, left, with South African-born best actress Oscar winner Charlize Theron, during a photo opportunity in Johannesburg Thursday March 11, 2004. Mandela hailed Theron for her hard work and success in Hollywood. (credit:PA)
(77 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African President, Nelson Mandela, right, with US film star Tim Robbins, left, during a meeting in Johannesburg, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005. (AP Photo) (credit:PA)
(78 of94)
Open Image Modal
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, left, meets with former South African President Nelson Mandela at the Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, Monday Oct. 2, 2006. Singh is on a four-day official visit to South Africa. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) (credit:PA)
(79 of94)
Open Image Modal
Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu, right, shares a light moment with former South African President Nelson Mandela, sitting left, during Tutu's 75th birthday celebrations in Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006. (AP Photo/Rebecca Hearfield) (credit:PA)
(80 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African President Nelson Mandela gives South African President Thabo Mbeki a copy of the book "Mandela" during its launch at the Mandela foundation in Johannesburg, Monday Oct. 9, 2006. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) (credit:PA)
(81 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African President Nelson Mandela, right, receives the Ambassador of Conscience Award from Nobel Prize winning-author Nadine Gordimer, left, at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2006. Gordimer described Mandela as one of the greatest men of the 20 century and a man who through his leadership and dedication to justice and equality had put morality back into government. "Like Amnesty International, I have struggled for justice and human rights for long years," said Mandela when he accepted the award. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) (credit:PA)
(82 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African President Nelson Mandela receives a basket of fruits from former Irish President Mary Robinson during the official launch of a new group, The Elders, on the occasion of Mandela's 89th birthday in Johannesburg Wednesday July 18, 2007. Nelson Mandela celebrates his 89th birthday Wednesday with a star-studded soccer match and the launch of a humanitarian campaign, joined by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and other "elders" of the global village. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) (credit:PA)
(83 of94)
Open Image Modal
President Nicolas Sarkozy (l) welcomes former South African president Nelson Mandela and his wife upon their arrival at Orly airport, near Paris, France.Picture date: September 3, 2007. The 89-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner Mandela spent 27 years in prison before being freed in 1990, going on to become South Africa's first black leader in 1994 after the fall of apartheid. He received last week a hero's welcome in London, where a statue of him was unveiled opposite the Houses of Parliament. Photo by Thomas Coex/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM (credit:PA)
(84 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South Africa's President Nelson Mandela, speaks during the announcement for the stars that will be participating on the 46664 Concert in Johannesburg, South Africa, Monday, Oct. 29, 2007. The number is a reference to Mandela's prison number, and the 46664 Concert will be held in Johannesburg on Dec. 1, 2007, coinciding with the World AIDS Day. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) (credit:PA)
(85 of94)
Open Image Modal
(credit:PA)
(86 of94)
Open Image Modal
Nelson Mandela, waves from the stage during the 46664 charity concert in honour of his 90th birthday in London, Friday, June 27, 2008. The former South African president, Mandela's 90th birthday falls on July 18. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) (credit:PA)
(87 of94)
Open Image Modal
Losing himself in laughter (credit:PA)
(88 of94)
Open Image Modal
Nelson Mandela, left, speaks as Will Smith, second from left, Annie Lennox, third from left, Jada Pinket Smith, second from right, and Geri Halliwell, right, look on, at the 46664 charity concert in honour of Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday in London, Friday, June 27, 2008. The former South African president's 90th birthday falls on July 18. (AP Photo/Edmond Terakopian) (credit:PA)
(89 of94)
Open Image Modal
Shhhhh! (credit:PA)
(90 of94)
Open Image Modal
Nelson Mandela, the released leader of the African National Congress (ANC), sits in the car with his youngest grandchild, Bambata Mandela, at the airport in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Feb. 12, 1990. Mandela and his family are on their way back to their Johannesburg home, one day after he was released from 27 years in jail. (AP Photo/Adil Bradlow) (credit:PA)
(91 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African President Nelson Mandela, center, is helped as he walks up the stairs by current ANC president and presidential candidate Jacob Zuma, left and Mandela's former wife Winnie, at the start of an ANC rally in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, April 19, 2009. Tens of thousands had gathered for the ANC's last major gathering before Wednesday's presidential elections. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) (credit:PA)
(92 of94)
Open Image Modal
Nelson Mandela beaming (credit:PA)
(93 of94)
Open Image Modal
Former South African President, Nelson Mandela, right, reacts with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, during a meeting in Johannesburg, Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has urged government officials in South Africa to press for reform in neighboring Zimbabwe. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell, Pool) (credit:PA)
(94 of94)
Open Image Modal
South African ANC leader Nelson Mandela at the law office he opened with his colleague, Oliver Tambo, unseen, in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1952. This was the first black legal practice in Johannesburg. Both men were founding members of the African National Congress Youth League. (AP Photo/Jurgen Schadeberg) MANDATORY CREDIT (credit:PA)