Johannesburg - The African National Congress - on the eve of President Jacob's Zuma's birthday - thanked his family for sharing him with the country.
“We believe that these are years accumulated largely spent at the service of our people... years that have (been) scarred by persecution for his selfless commitment to the cause of the poor and those dehumanised by the apartheid system,” spokesman Jackson Mthembu said in a statement on Thursday.
“We wish him all the best as he will continue leading our organisation and the country.”
Zuma would be celebrating his 71st birthday on Friday.
Mthembu said the ANC would continue to grow under Zuma's leadership.
“As we enter the second phase of our transition we believe that he will inspire us and the nation to new heights.
“We wish him good health and long life. Khula ukhokhobe Msholozi.” - Sapa