Mandela seeking a quieter life
Former President Nelson Mandela, who has kept a hectic schedule in the public eye since his retirement five years ago, appealed today for time to spend with his family and friends.
“I’m turning 86 in a few weeks time and that is a longer life than most people are granted. … I am confident that nobody here present today will accuse me of selfishness if I asked to spend time while I’m still in good health with my family, my friends and also with myself,” said Mandela.
The former president, Nobel Laureate and hero of the anti-apartheid struggle, insisted that his health, for his age, was basically good and that he just wanted to cut back on his schedule to give himself more time for family, friends and to finish the second volume of his memoirs.
Mandela, who has looked frail in recent appearances, joked with the nearly 200 people gathered at his foundation about media speculation that his health is failing.
The former president said he does not plan to completely disappear from public appearances, but said he will be more selective about which ones he will attend and would rather choose which ones rather than be invited.
“Don’t call me, I’ll call you,” Mandela joked.
Mandela made the announcement at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in front of the staff, the staff of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Foundation, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, ruling party stalwarts, politicians and friends.
Since he stepped down from the presidency five years ago, Mandela has helped try to negotiate an end to fighting in Burundi, he has made numerous charitable appearances and has worked for the country, most recently taking part in the successful bid for the 2010 soccer World Cup.
He said other than spending time with family and friends, he need more time to work on the second volume of his memoirs which will focus on his presidency. He says he is only finished about a third of the book.
