Pretoria - The world is concerned about the health of ailing former president Nelson Mandela, European Council (EU) president Herman van Rompuy said in Pretoria on Thursday.
The celebrations of International Mandela Day were a strong bond which fortified relations between South Africa and its counterparts, particularly in Europe, said Van Rompuy.
“It’s a privilege for me and (EU Commission president Jose Manuel) Barroso to be in South Africa on this important day of international celebrations in honour of (former) president Nelson Mandela. It is a significant date for us,” he said.
“President Mandela is very much in our thoughts and prayers right now. His contribution to the struggle for democracy and the promotion of a culture of peace and reconciliation crosses national borders. His life is an example that ethics and politics can go hand in hand.”
Van Rompuy is leading a delegation to South Africa for the Sixth South Africa-European Union (SA-EU) summit.
Barroso said the anti-apartheid icon had done an excellent job in establishing a democratic South Africa.
“Nelson Mandela is a man much loved by South African people and also by the whole world. Our thoughts are with him, his family and the whole of South Africa.
“He was the father of South African democracy and it is fair to say he did an excellent job because South Africa now has solid institutions and a mature democracy.”
In his opening remarks to the SA-EU Summit, President Jacob Zuma told delegates the improvement in Mandela's health was encouraging.
“He continues to respond positively to treatment and we are encouraged by that progress being made.
“When I visited him today, I found him really stable and I was able to say 'happy birthday' and he was able to smile.”
Zuma said South Africa felt “greatly honoured” when the United Nations declared July 18 International Nelson Mandela Day.
“We are truly happy to share this special occasion with you. Mandela's struggle for freedom and justice in our country and his values of promoting a fair, just and equitable world continues to inspire and motivate us,” he told the EU delegation.
Zuma arrived at the Mediclinic Heart Hospital's Park Street entrance and walked through the parking lot to the Celliers Street entrance, greeting a few people along the way.
A military brass band played Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika three times and throngs of well-wishers enthusiastically sang along.
Presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement earlier that Mandela's health was steadily improving.
Thursday marked Mandela's 95th birthday and his 41st day in the Pretoria hospital, where he was being treated for a recurring lung infection.
Delegates at the SA-EU summit sang “Happy birthday Madiba” at the beginning of the conference. A large cake was in the room.
Journalists were ushered out before talks about the summit's agenda. - Sapa