It was quite a day for South African statesmen. It was announced yesterday that President Jacob Zuma's visage will grace two million postage stamps; he was also named the African President of the Year; and the UN declared July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day.

Presenting Zuma with the stamp, which will cost R2.25, SA Post Office chairwoman Vuyo Mahlati said the print run had to be doubled. She said the stamp would inspire collectors "to have a piece of Zuma for life".

Zuma said he was honoured and that the stamp would be the country's "smallest but vital ambassador". - Staff Reporter

• This article was originally published on page 1 of Cape Argus on November 11, 2009