Johannesburg - The ANC in the North West and the Congress of SA Trade Unions wished President Jacob Zuma a happy 71st birthday on Friday.
“Nxamalala! Msholozi! May he enjoy many more years of health and happiness,” Cosatu said in a statement.
The trade union federation also wished Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, who shares his birthday with Zuma.
The ANC in the North West said that just as Zuma would be celebrating, so would the party.
“ We too will celebrate his life because it is a reflection of a continued struggle to better the lives of our people,” spokesman Kenny Morolong said.
“We are indebted to his family for sharing such an incredible human being with us, whose humility, fortitude, discipline, magnanimity and wisdom have characterised his sound leadership.”
Earlier, the presidency said Zuma's birthday wish was to see a better South Africa.
“I want to see every child in school getting a good education. I want to see all South Africans having electricity, water, sanitation, good health, and generally a better life,” Zuma was quoted as saying.
The presidency extended good wishes to him on his birthday.
Zuma was set to spend the day in Botswana, where he was attending the Southern African Customs Union summit.
“He is with, among others, the Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan, who also celebrates his birthday today, April 12,” the presidency said.
Zuma was grateful to have lived to see this age.
“Each year is a blessing and I cherish it,” he said. “I am fortunate to have lived until the age of 71. I am fortunate and privileged to have seen the dawn of freedom and to see South Africa changing for the better.”
Zuma said he was happy and honoured to have been able to contribute to building a better South Africa. - Sapa