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SEPTUAGENARIAN: President Jacob Zuma during his 70th birthday celebration at ANC headquarters in Luthuli House, central Johannesburg. PHOTO: ANTONIO MUCHAVE

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“People ask me what do I do to remain young. It is a simple thing. You need a good heart, you must not hate people,” he told reporters and the staff at the African National Congress’s headquarters at Luthuli House in Johannesburg on Thursday.

“You just need to be nice, even when something bad happens. You must wish your enemies good luck... then you will live until 70.” 

Luthuli House echoed on Thursday afternoon to the strains of the song “Happy Birthday”, which was sung to Zuma by staff.

Several bottles of sparkling wine were opened and Zuma cut a large black, green and gold cake in the shape of the number 70.

Surrounding the president were several ANC national executive members, including Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe.

Zuma thanked the Luthuli House staff for attending the event.

“There is no headquarters more important than this in the whole country,” he said.

Zuma also thanked the media, chuckling and adding: “Our friends, the media. You make things happen. Life would be dull without you”.  

He said the Bible mentioned the age of 70 as an important one.

“What is important is that at 70 is that I feel energised. I... have travelled a long distance, but I still want to make a difference.”  

Zuma said he was old enough to write a book, but promised that it would not be aimed at “grandchildren”.  

He also teased Motlanthe about his age. 

“When I started, many of these people were young. They were so young that I used to give them sweets,” he joked. “Even the DP [deputy president] had pitch black hair.”  

Motlanthe later raised his arms and said a prayer for Zuma.   “Here is your servant — continue to shower blessings on him,” he prayed.  

Earlier, the ANC Women’s League said Zuma’s birthday was a milestone that South Africans should be proud of.

“Not many can boast a track record of selfless service to the struggle and to the country as the president can.”  

He also received “proud” wishes from the ANC in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.

“We are proud of the contribution comrade Zuma made during the painful liberation struggle, which saw him being separated from his family for years,” provincial ANC spokesman Sihle Zikalala said. 

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Sun May 26 05:37:32 SAST 2013 ::

Apr 13, 2012

Mogwapatholo

'A good heart keeps you young' - true life lesson.
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Apr 13, 2012

Xovizwe

Happy Birthday Mr President, may you live more and more years to serve your people with honour.

We value you presence and your leadership for the country of South Africa. We also believe that we are not there yet but "Together we can do more."
There will be no country without shambles and squanders. To those who think SA is a bad or worse country than others, I would like to quote from Lucky Dube that: "The grass is greener on the other side until you get there and see it for your self."

Long Live to the President.
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Apr 13, 2012

Nincompoop

Come Dec 2012, your hear will stop at Manga-Mangaung just before Doomsday 21st of the same months ...
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Apr 13, 2012

nomsa4

happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! birth day Mr president may you have many more years, you know the bible says what ever kingdom which exists, God has put it to be, so be it Big Up to Mr Zuma
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Apr 13, 2012

Papage

Happy belated birthday Baba, but you forgot to tell those guys to get young wifes to take care of them as well.
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Apr 13, 2012

Vhamsanda

Did the president say " Good heart " ?
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Apr 13, 2012

NDA

That is why you have a good heart cause you think like a 7year old.
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Apr 13, 2012

Blackstone.lebs

Happy birthday JZ. You sure look younger than 70 and you're a good man too. i know you would still like to serve the country as president...but for the good of future generations please retire.
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Apr 13, 2012

Tasto

No story here, unblock - 'Do not throw stones at us' - Mantashe

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Apr 13, 2012

Xovizwe

Long Live to the People's President!!!

May you live many more years, My Lord!!!

In Zuma we trust!!!
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