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Johannesburg  - The filmaker who will direct the biopic of former South African president Nelson Mandela has described his recent meeting with the anti-apartheid icon as "inspirational."

British director Tom Hooper, who will direct the film adaptation of Mandela's best-selling autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, and the film's South African producer Anant Singh met the 90-year-old anti-apartheid icon in Johannesburg last week, Singh's company said in a statement Friday.

Johannesburg  - South Africa's ruling African National Congress said it would never endanger the health of former president Nelson Mandela after drawing criticism for flying him to an election rally in wet conditions to support the party.

At a press conference Monday the ANC's campaign director Fikile Mbabula insisted: "The ANC would not put the life of Madiba at risk," referring to Mandela by his clan name.

Mbalula also insisted that the 90-year-old anti-apartheid icon had expressly asked to attend an ANC rally together with controversial leader, Jacob Zuma.

Johannesburg - Congratulating Barack Obama on his inauguration as the first black president of the United States Tuesday, iconic former South African president Nelson Mandela said the historic event reminded him of the excitement that surrounded his own election as his country's first democratically-elected president.

Johannesburg - Nelson Mandela on Monday paid tribute to singer and fellow anti-apartheid icon Miriam Makeba, calling her "South Africa's first lady of song."

"The sudden passing of our beloved Miriam has saddened us and our nation," the former South African president and Nobel laureate said.

"It was fitting that her last moments were spent on a stage, enriching the hearts and lives of others - and again in support of a good cause," he added.

Johannesburg - Former South African president Nelson Mandela said Wednesday Barack Obama's election to the White House was a triumph for hope.

In a letter of congratulation to the president-elect, Mandela, 90, said: "Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place."