AP
Posted: 4:38 am
July 19, 2008
QUNU, South Africa - Nelson Mandela celebrated his 90th birthday yesterday by calling on the wealthy to share with the poor and wishing that he had been able to spend more time with his family during the long anti-apartheid struggle.
In an interview at his home in rural southeastern South Africa, the former president of the nation was asked if he had a message for the world.
"There are many people in South Africa who are rich and who can share those riches with those not so fortunate who have not been able to conquer poverty," Mandela said.
He was asked if he wished he had had more time with his family during a life spent fighting apartheid and then leading South Africa.
"I am sure for many people that is their wish," Mandela said. "I also have that wish that I spent more time [with my family]. But I don't regret it."
