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There are many people in South Africa who are rich and who can share those riches withthose not so fortunate,who have not been able to conquer poverty,Mandela said during the10-minute interview,his first such exchange with journalists in years.He was asked if he wished he could have had more time with his family during a life spentfighting apartheid and then leading South Africa as its first black president.I am sure for many people that is their wish,Mandela said.I also have that wish that I spentmore time(with my family).But I dont regret it.His third wife,Graca Machel,whom he married 10 years ago on his birthday,said in a TVintervicw that he was a lonely man despite his busy schedule as a leader when she met him a fewyears after he divorced Winnic Madikizela-Mandela in 1996.She told Al-Jazeera television shehelped him reconnect with his family.If I could say in a very modest way.thats what I was able to give him back,Machel,a notedcampaigner for childrens rights,said in the interview broadeast Friday.Im happy that in hissunset years I was able to be there for him.And he is there for me.Mandela was imprisoned for nearly three decades for his fight against apartheid.He wasreleased in 1990 to lead negotiations that ended decades of racist white rule,then was electedpresident in South Africas first democratic elections in 1994.He completed his term in 1999 and did not run again,but has continued to take a leading rolein the fight against poverty,illiteracy and AIDS in Africa.Tukwini Mandela,33.one of Mandelas granddaughters,said Friday was a special daybecause we are planning a huge party on Saturday and we are hoping he is going to enjoy it.We have invited his oldest friends who have meant something to him and have made adifference in his life.she said.While not all Mandelas 18 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren were attending thecelebrations,many were present Friday,creating a warm atmosphere in the house,decorated withanimal skin mats and African prints on the walls.Wearing one of his signature patterned shirts in shades of green,gold and black,Mandelaglanced pensively out a window at the start of his interview with The Associated Press and a fewother news organizations.This is my property.When I am here,I feel I own something,he said of the homestead inthe rural area 600 miles south of Johannesburg where as a boy he herded cattle in the hills.His grandchildren spoke of their pride in Mandela,the responsibility of bearing his name andthe desire to protect the old man who could not be there when they were growing up.We are extremely proud of his achievements and the sacrifices he made,said NandiMandela,40.His humanity and his love for the people,especially children have made him intothis world icon.We love him dearly.She said birthdays have always been special occasions for her grandfather.She recalled how,without fail,she would receive a greeting card from him in prison-even though he was onlyallowed to write a limited number of letters every month.Mandelas birthday is annual cause for cclecbration across South Africa and draws attentionfrom his many local and international admirers.Two runners holding South African flags circled Robben Island,where Mandela spent most ofhis 27 years in jail.In Johannesburg,children celebrated with birthday cake at the offices ofthe foundation Mandela founded after stepping down as president in 1999.and his AfricanNational Congress party unfurled giant banners featuring his image at its downtownheadquarters.Birthday messages have been pouring in,including one Friday from President Bush,whoapplauded Mandela as a great example of courage,hope,and the power of frecdom.第8页（共9页）