President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday congratulated former president Thabo Mbeki on his 80th birthday.
In a prerecorded message, Ramaphosa said: “It is cause for celebration to have reached this milestone in good health, carried by good spirit and, as always, good humour”.
The President added: “Eighty years is said to be an oak jubilee, with the oak tree symbolising strength, endurance, and wisdom.”
After thanking Mbeki for his support over the years, Ramaphosa said, “we want to tell you that we are steadily rebuilding our country. We are wresting it back from the thieves, charlatans, and the imigodoyi of which you have spoken”.
Ramaphosa said: “We are rebuilding the state, restoring the economy and creating opportunities for our people to enable them to lead lives of meaning and dignity.
“The democracy you helped build, of which you are a founding father, will rise to reach its full potential in your lifetime.
“I have no less than the utmost confidence that in striving to do so, we can count on your support as an elder, as a patriot and as a lifelong, dedicated servant of our people.
“Like the mighty oak whose roots holds the tree firmly to the soil, your wisdom and commitment to our people strengthens us and enriches our democracy and extends across the vast expanses of our continent.”
