"46664"

We know Nelson Mandela as the one responsible for fighting for equality in South Africa during his presidency from 1994-1999. The anti-apartheid activism in South Africa became the primary vision of Mandela towards the search for justice, freedom and equality of people.


The number 466 was used to identify Nelson Mandela as the 466th prisoner during the year 1964, thus the number 46664. As a symbol of freedom and equality, the apartheid government condemned him as a communist and a terrorist. He spent 27 years in prison, and was released at the end of the apartheid system on February 11, 1990.



"Madiba," as he was called by the elders of the Mandela clan, was awarded endlessly for over four decades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. He has been widely praised and known for democracy among multi-racial nations.

So on June 27, 2008, the South African leader celebrated his 90th birthday with a free concert held at the London Hyde Park. Attended by a sea of supporters and fans, major artists graced the occasion and staged very outstanding performances such as Annie Lennox, Geri Haliwell, Sugababes, Leona Lewis, and Amy Winehouse, among others.



The best performance for me was Switch rendered by the true legend and showman Will Smith, and he was even joined by his wife Jada Pinkett Smith on stage. Here take a look.



Nelson Mandela's birthday concert is always considered to be the biggest birthday party in the world. Every year since 2003, the 46664 concert is staged in different countries to give honor to the leader and freedom icon, and to promote the fight against the international tragedy that is HIV/AIDS.

Here is the speech of the birthday boy.



This promotional shirt for the 46664 event sums up what Mandela said in his inspiring speech.


"It's in our hands now."

I.LOVE.THE.SHIRT.