Double celebration for ailing Mandela
Father of the nationmarks 95th birthday yesterday and 15 years of marriage to Graca Machel, the strength behind the former president
When Nelson Mandela turned 95 yesterday, he also marked 15 years of marriage to Graca Machel, who throughout his time in hospital has wooed a nation with her dignified poise.
During the past six weeks Machel has kept a near round-the-clock vigil at her husband's hospital bedside, leaving to attend Mandela's charity events or visit their Johannesburg home.
But then the Mozambican-born Machel, 27 years younger, has already been by Mandela's side for 15 years of marriage. "We make sure we spend time with each other because we were so lonely before. You only live once," she remarked before the ravages of time tightened their grip on her husband.
And their time together may not yet be at an end, with an increasing sense of optimism about Mandela's condition. Three weeks ago, Mandela seemed at death's door; on Wednesday, he was watching television with headphones on, his daughter Zindzi Mandela said.
Describing what she said was a dramatic improvement in Mandela's health in an interview on British television, Zindzi Mandela said: "I should think he will be going home anytime soon.
"He gave us a huge smile and raised his hand," she said, although he was still unable to speak. "He responds with his eyes and his hands."