It was, without question, the party of the decade, with stars and statesmen from all over the world gathering to help Nelson Mandela celebrate his 85th birthday. The elder statesman of African politics welcomed everyone from presidents to supermodels to the Johannesburg bash, which was attended by some 1,600 A-list guests.
Former US president Bill Clinton led the tributes, describing Nelson as a "gift to humanity". "We thank you, Madiba, for making your country a beacon of hope to the rest of the world," he said.
Catwalk star Naomi Campbell made a dazzling entrance, dressed in a delicate white frock and headdress, while Irish rocker Bono was clad in his trademark black. And once the formalities were out of the way, the U2 frontman got things moving by performing an impromptu duet with local star Chaka Chaka.
Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary were both getting down and even Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands was spotted having a bop. But when Nelson himself took to the dance floor with his wife Graca Machel, people really got in the mood.
Amongst the stars strutting their stuff on the dance floor were Virgin boss Richard Branson, chat-show host Oprah Winfrey and actor Robert De Niro. Of course, there were also leading figures from the world of politics, including former South African president FW de Clerk, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Martin Luther King's widow, Coretta Scott King.
But the most poignant message of goodwill came from the great-granddaughter of Hendrik Verwoerd, who was premier when Nelson was jailed in 1964. "You've changed my life," wrote 13-year-old Wilma. "You've taught me to love people of all races and colours."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
