Madiba, the first post-apartheid and democratically elected South African president is seen by millions as a national hero for his role in the freedom struggle, he is also revered internationally.

Many events are being held in South Africa to mark his birthday and in London a special party will be held to launch a new and unusual book of poetry in his honour.

Halala Madiba is more than an anthology about one man, it is also the story of the struggle of a nation.

The poets include former statesmen, music artists, performance poets - even a 12-year old child.

It includes reflections about his imprisonment on Robben Island and explorations of Nelson Mandela as an elder statesman.

Shen Liknaitsky prepared this enchanting tour of the book for Network Africa

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