Mandela visits Alex hospice
2008-08-04 19:35
Johannesburg - Former president Nelson Mandela paid a surprise visit to a hospice near Alexandra in Johannesburg on Monday, his office said.
"I am very happy to have been here and I will always think of you," the Nobel Peace Prize laureate told a group of 16 orphans, the 37-strong staff and 13 patients at the Banakekele Hospice in Kew.
He cut one of two birthday cakes given to him earlier in the day by the Springboks and Bafana Bafana sports teams.
The children blew the candles out for him and sang "Happy Birthday" to Mandela who turned 90 last month.
Mandela told the children how important education was.
"Today, no person who is not well educated can lead the country. So you must attach importance to education because that's the only way you can be accepted as a leader."
The children, aged between eight and 17, told him what their dream jobs were. They ranged from being presidents to scientists, lawyers, doctors, nurses and policemen.
The Banakekele Hospice cares for people with a range of illnesses including Aids, diabetes, cancer and strokes.
It was founded by a former teacher, Rose Kubayi, who started caring for two HIV-positive women and their children in 2003.
"I will never forget this. What a happy day," Kubayi said.
- SAPA