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Nelson Mandela's back in town
Ellen Widdup, Evening Standard23.06.08
Nelson Mandela arrived in London today for celebrations to mark his 90th birthday.
The former South African president has taken up residence at the Dorchester for a week.
Mr Mandela is expected to host a dinner party with celebrities and world leaders, including Prime Minister Gordon Brown, on Wednesday. And on Friday Hyde Park will host his birthday benefit concert featuring acts such as Queen, Leona Lewis and Annie Lennox. There will also be South African music from the Soweto Gospel Choir.
The former African Nat ional Congress leader, who in 1994 became the first black president of South Africa after negotiating the end of apartheid, is expected to take to the stage to thank tens of thousands of well-wishers ahead of his birthday next month.
He stood down as president in 1999 and announced in 2004 that he was retiring from public life to spend more time with his family. But the veteran statesman has continued to speak out on issues including lending his support to the Make Poverty History campaign.
His old age has not been trouble-free: he was treated for prostate cancer in 2001 and in 2005 his eldest son, lawyer Makgatho Mandela, 54, died of Aids-related complications. His last official visit to London was last August, where he took part in a ceremony unveiling a statue in his honour in Parliament Square.
It was announced today that Dame Shirley Bassey, who was due to perform at Mr Mandela's concert, has had to pull out. The 71-year-old Welsh-born singer underwent an emergency operation for stomach complications last month. She had been expected to recover in time for Friday but has now been advised by doctors not to travel.
Her spokesman Paul Carey said: "On the advice of her surgeon, Dame Shirley Bassey will now not be able to perform as scheduled. She is hugely disappointed and was looking forward to the show immensely."
Last week Amy Winehouse's spokesman said the singer may miss out on performing through poor health.
Organisers have promised other major stars on the bill, but are keeping silent about their involvement "in order to take both Mr Mandela and the audience by surprise".
Reader views (3)
Mr Mandela I hope you will find time to meet Olivier Bancoult, the Chagossian leader in exile who is in the UK preparing for an Appeal Court case in the House of Lords next week. An Appeal lodged by the British Govt after the High Court agreed that the Chagossians could return to their Indian Ocean homes.
- Nick Connell, Northampton
Mr Mandela your silence on Mugabe is utterly disgraceful and shames your reputation..
- Johno, London
Mr Mandela, I wish you many more happy and peaceful years to come. You are a wonderful, peacemaking person, loved by many (and me) My father turns 90 the 7th July, and Mr Mandela the 18th July. Both are in excellent health and I am so happy that you will be able to attend this concert. Enjoy!
- Eli, UAE-Ab Dhabi (born SA)
