Mandela makes rare TV appearance

2012-05-30 16:34

Former president Nelson Mandela looks on during a ceremony where he received a symbolic flame to mark ANC’s centenary at his home in Qunu.( Lulamile Feni, Nelson Mandela Foundation, AFP)

Johannesburg - Former president Nelson Mandela, making his first appearance on television since October last year, was shown on Wednesday receiving a flame marking the centenary of his ruling ANC party.

The SABC released images of a delegation led by the party's national chairperson, Baleka Mbete, visiting the icon's Qunu home with a barrel-sized replica of the torch lit during the party's 100th anniversary celebrations earlier this year.

The 93-year-old sitting upright in a chair, surrounded by grandchildren and his wife, spoke briefly, saying: "I used to be the leader of the ANC" and that he was "happy" to see the flame.
 
Mbete joked that she wasn't sure what was warming her more, being near Mandela or being near the lit torch. She added that he should enjoy his retirement, but "we want you to know that we miss you all the time".

The last time he was on television was in October last year when he was filmed at his Johannesburg home filling out a census form.

Mandela, who makes few public appearances, arrived in Qunu on Tuesday from his Houghton home.

Next month is his 94th birthday, and he often celebrates birthdays in the village where he grew up.

In February, Mandela was hospitalised in Johannesburg for a test to determine the cause of an undisclosed stomach ailment.

He spent time in hospital a little over a year ago for treatment of a respiratory ailment.

- Reuters