This video image taken from SABC television shows South Africa’s former president Nelson Mandela as he receiving a torch to celebrate the African National Congress’ centenary from ANC chairperson Baleka Mbete, unseen, in Mandela’s home village Qunu in rural eastern South Africa Wednesday May 30, 2012. (AP Photo/SABC via AP video)
This video image taken from SABC television shows South Africa’s former president Nelson Mandela, left, receiving a torch to celebrate the African National Congress’ centenary from ANC chairperson Baleka Mbete in Mandela’s home village Qunu in rural eastern South Africa Wednesday May 30, 2012. (AP Photo/SABC via AP video)
This video image taken from SABC television shows South Africa’s former president Nelson Mandela, left, receiving a torch to celebrate the African National Congress’ centenary from ANC chairperson Baleka Mbete in Mandela’s home village Qunu in rural eastern South Africa Wednesday May 30, 2012. (AP Photo/SABC via AP video
This video image taken from SABC television shows South Africa’s former president Nelson Mandela, left, receiving a torch to celebrate the African National Congress’ centenary from ANC chairperson Baleka Mbete, right, in Mandela’s home village Qunu in rural eastern South Africa Wednesday May 30, 2012. (AP Photo/SABC via AP video)
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress has brought its centenary celebrations to his home village in eastern South Africa.
A delegation led by the governing party’s national chairperson, Baleka Mbete, came to the anti-apartheid icon’s Qunu home Wednesday with a barrel-sized replica of the torch lit during the party’s 100th anniversary celebrations earlier this year. Mandela spoke briefly as he sat in an armchair, telling Mbete he was happy to see her.
Mandela, who makes few public appearances, arrived in Qunu on Tuesday from Johannesburg. Next month is his birthday, which he often celebrates in the village where he grew up.
The 93-year-old Nobel peace laureate spent 27 years in prison for fighting racist rule. He became South Africa’s first black president in 1994 and served one five-year term.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
