South African President Nelson Mandela kicked off his 80th birthday celebrations yesterday, hosting a party in the Kruger game reserve for more than 1,000 orphans.
Mr Mandela, who becomes an octogenarian tomorrow, danced on stage to a lively pop beat with four young girls who serenaded him with the words: "You're so special". He then cut a huge cake, in the shape of his trade mark colourful casual shirts, with the help of Kathika Nienabet, who turns 14 on the President's birthday.
The joyous party at Skukuza rest camp in the Kruger National Park was the first of many events to mark the birthday of Madiba, Mandela's clan name by which he is affectionately known around South Africa.
Madiba fever has gripped South Africa and almost everybody is seeking a piece of the action, from the diplomats invited to Sunday's banquet to ordinary people flooding a special Internet web site with birthday greetings. Concerts and even a gay party billed as "Mad about the Man" are also scheduled to honour Mr Mandela, who will retire as President next year after leading South Africa from apartheid to democracy.
Newspaper reports have also speculated that wedding bells will be part of the celebrations if Mr Mandela ties the knot with his companion, Ms Graca Machel.
A report in the Star quoted unnamed sources as saying Johannesburg Chief Magistrate Charlton Bashe would formalise the relationship between Mr Mandela and Mozambique's former first lady, the widow of founding president Samora Machel.
But Mr Mandela's spokeswoman, Ms Priscilla Naidoo, said: "The President's office is unaware of any wedding plans."