Nelson Mandela’s presence in London this week, as the Telegraph reports, reminds us of his unique status as a living legend, a term that perhaps we throw around too readily, but where Nelson Mandela is concerned, there is no doubt or question, he is a living legend.

Even the most jaded and cynical politicians tend to melt in the presence of Nelson Mandela.

On the cusp of his 10th decade, this stooping, shuffling man, who can barely walk without a friendly arm to grasp and no longer stands to deliver his speeches, has probably become the most admired human being on Earth.

His visit to London shows yet again the power of his moral authority. No one who has met Mr Mandela can fail to be moved by his aura of principle, courage and stubborn optimism.

There is almost a physical charge in the air when that familiar smile flashes across his face and his deep, sonorous and remarkably strong voice holds forth. When he gave a fund-raising banquet this week, it was entirely unsurprising that his fellow diners ranged from Bill Clinton to Pierce Brosnan, from Oprah Winfrey to Gordon Brown.

Yet there are drawbacks to being a living legend. Since he stepped down as South Africa’s president in 1999, shortly before his 81st birthday, the world has consistently denied Mr Mandela any chance of a quiet retirement.

He has not been allowed any years of peace to round off a singularly tempestuous life.

Source: Nelson Mandela: Global admiration has drawbacks 

The article continues and surveys Mandela’s life and his resiliency through numerous hardships that have made him such an inspiration worldwide.

The 46664 concert will take place later today and stars are preparing.

Stars including Annie Lennox, Brian May of Queen and the Sugababes will perform in aid of the former South African president’s 46664 campaign against HIV/AIDS.

Amy Winehouse is “determined” to sing at the celebrations despite doctors warning her career could soon be over after she was diagnosed with empysema, a serious and incurable lung disease.

The troubled 24-year-old turned up to rehearsals for the Hyde Park concert armed with a miniature bottle of vodka, two mini bottles of whisky and large bag of sweets.

Instead of attending a photo call with Mr Mandela, and the other artists, she visited husband Blake Fielder-Civil in Pentonville Prison.

Her spokesman said: “Amy is determined to go ahead with both shows. This is her second rehearsal of the week and she has every intention of performing. Unfortunately she couldn’t attend the photo call with Mr Mandela because she had other commitments.”

The concert in aid for Mr Mandela’s HIV/Aids charity 46664, named after the prison number he was given during his 27 years behind bars for his stand against the South African apartheid, will be opened by Hollywood actor Will Smith at 6.30pm.

Precisely 46,664 tickets have gone on sale for the three-and-a-half hour concert which will also include performances by Leona Lewis, Razorlight, Andrea and Sharon Corr, Eddy Grant, Simple Minds and the Soweto Gospel Choir.

Source: Nelson Mandela prepares for 90th birthday concert


This ITN video news report features footage of Nelson Mandela in London and several stars, including Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Annie Lennox and Estelle, paying tribute.

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• Photos: Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Dinner in London Brings Out the Stars (Updated with Video)
• Will Smith, in London, Compares Barack Obama to Nelson Mandela
• Video & Photos: Nelson Mandela Meets with Queen Elizabeth II 6-25-08

Video & Photos: Nelson Mandela in London for 90th Birthday Celebration and Concert