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  News24 user Aviva Marock writes: 'My family were on a trip to Rome and were in the right place at the right time. They were invited to join a private tour of the Colosseum with Madiba and Graca Machel. These pics just show so much ito of the warmth and love that emanates from Madiba and Graca Machel – its just awesome.'
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  Rachel Watson from Protea Park in Atlantis submitted this photo. It was taken in 2003 in Tuynhuis, Cape Town, with Mandela's 83rd birthday celebrations.
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  I met Nelson Mandela for the first time in 1994 in the Dutch Reformed Church, Lynnwood, Pretoria. - Aleta Michaletos.
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  Danny K, Lisa Gundelfinger and Madiba.
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  Aubrey Basson
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  The matric class of 1998 of Mvenyane High School bumped into Mr Nelson Mandela just as we were leaving the Parliament in Cape Town. We were on tour, and he agreed to take this picture with us. - Phathiswa Tshobeni
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  I decided to take over my Mom's Business (she is retired) and decided what a wonderful opportunity to do a cake for The Children's Foundation and a personal cake for Mr Mandela. In this photo it's me, Sandra Photiou, Mr Mandela, Andreas (my son) and my mom, Hirondina Laranja. This was taken after I baked the 2 cakes for the foundation in 2010. This was the most amazing experience I have ever had and will cherish this moment till I die.
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  I had an honour to meet the most humble father of all nations in 1993. Most disciplined person that I have ever met in my life. Happy Birthday Tata. - Ovy Litlhakanyane.
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  Siyabulela Nomoyi: 'The 2009 Mandela Rhodes Scholars had the previledge to meet the icon, and I was one of them!'
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  My late mom-in-law Kate Trenton with a sprightly Madiba holding Jamie Bergman son of boxer Jan Bergman. Picture taken 13 years ago. - Cheryl Trenton.
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  Jade Kirkel writes: 'I met Madiba last year. It was a dream come true for me and I had in tears in my eyes the entire time. I will carry that moment in my heart forever.'
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  Natasha Forbes.
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  Photo taken in 2002. Greetings from Germany, Gerhard Louw.
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  This pic was submitted by News24 user Nicolas Vusi Zwane.
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  Bertha Manna Lam.
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  Lunch with Nelson Mandela when I was younger. Amazing - Sibusiso Mngomezulu.
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  Gabriel Kroes receiving recognition from Madiba for collecting funds for the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund during the running of the 1996 Comrades from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
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  Matthew Willman.
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  This photo was sent in by Luis Magalhaes (on the left). He was the team liaison officer for team Portugal during the 2010 World Cup.
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  Madiba and me viewing his high school photos back in Octtober 2007 - Luyolo Stengile.
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  Kutlwano Mape had the opportunity of a lifetime opportunity to meet Tata Mandela on his 6th Birthday on 17 April 2005. Happy Birthday Tata Mandela and my the Good Lord shower you with more good health.
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  Carol O'Brien: This photo was taken in 2006 at Madiba’s Houghton home.
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  Annie Laughton and George Cohen. Annie writes: I have had the privilege of meeting Madiba and the honour of having a photo taken with him – this was on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Long live Madiba !
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  Ivan Epstein
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  Llewellyn Abdoll: This photo was taken in 1994 when I was a teacher at Rocklands High school in Mitchell’s Plain. I took some of my pupils to visit Parliament. Mr Mandela apparently instructed his motorcade to stop because “I want to greet those kids” according to one of his then body guards. Obviously the children was ecstatic!
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  Lucky Mazibuko and the late Stella Sicgau: Photo taken by Alzena Gomes at the Launch of HIV/AIDS Awareness campaign in the Construction industry in Qunu in 2002.
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  Marlyne Burns
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  Nathan and Kellyn Baker. Dad Dean writes: Photo's (of my son's) taken with Madiba in 2001 in PE at a Methodist Church Ordination Service.
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  Nathan Baker (sent in my father Dean)
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  Ntsika Dlamini
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  Rod Maggott: It was during the annual childrens party at the Nelson Mandela Foundation. I am the fella with the shades on his head, leaning over the back of the chair of the Great Man.
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  Ros Baatjies: I worked as a reporter for Die Burger Oos-Kaap and covered a story in the Transkei in the late 90’s where Madiba opened a school. Photographer James Oatway took the photo. It was a proud moment for me.
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  Crispin Matthews: I was fortunate to meet and speak to Madiba way back in 1995 after he spoke at his first Women’s Day Rally!
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  Machiel and Leonie van Niekerk, taken in 1995 in Tokyo.
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  Anique Human.
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  Andrew Russel meets Madiba.
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  Teacher Thembi Mtshali with Madiba when he visited St Alban's College.
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  1992 Myself (Brandon Stone) age 2 with Nelson Madela, Houghton Golf Club during a Dunhill PGA Golf Event.
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  Yvonne Johnston
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  Madiba and his grandson Andile when Madiba visited St Alban's College.
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  Staff of St Alban's College looking on as Madiba and his wife Graca Machel visit the school.
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  Marie-Pierre Du Pont, Madiba and Chet Diepraam at Le Canard Restaurant.
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  7 November 2003 Walter Sisulu Cardiac Ward Sunninghill Hospital Opening (Mandela and the Late Ryan Lang).
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  Glenn Eagle writes: One of our daughter’s wishes was to meet Madiba. We were very pleasantly surprised that her wish was granted so soon and Mr Mandela gave her almost 20 minutes of his valuable time. Jamie-Leigh unfortunately succumbed to cancer on the 28th of April 2010, but one of her main wishes was fulfilled. Thanks Madiba for allowing an ill little girl a very big dream. Happy birthday Tata!
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  Frans Ditsego, Madiba, Daniel Masilo, Chet Diepraam at Le Canard Restaurant.

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