Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association (Johannesburg) - July 19, 2003
This included fighting Aids, reducing the continent's debt burden, and broadening its trade opportunities, Clinton said in Johannesburg.
"If you want to give Madiba a birthday present, do something to deal with Africa's challenges; do something to untap Africa's economy."
"The life and work of Nelson Mandela has done much to help the rest us to see the promise as well as the problems of Africa."
Clinton was delivering an inaugural lecture in the Johannesburg Civic Theatre.
About 1000 prominent guests attended, including Irish rock star Bono, US actor John Cusack, and retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Clinton's address formed part of a series of events to celebrate the birthday of Mandela who turned 85 on Friday.
The lecture will become an annual event to celebrate Mandela's legacy and to discuss pressing social and other issues.
Mandela, his wife Graca Machel, and Clinton and his wife Hillary received standing applause as they took their seats on the stage.
Introducing Clinton, Machel described him as "a very good friend of Madiba".
Clinton began his address by saying he felt as if he was in a natural museum.
Turning to Mandela he quipped: "Is this what an 85-year-old man looks like?"
Clinton lauded Mandela for his life and work, saying: "His steps may be slower... but his voice soars with conviction. His work inspires the world."
On Aids, Clinton said the disease had to be dealt with if world health and prosperity were to be improved.
Aids was more than a health problem. It also derailed economic development.
"If we want to improve world health and education... advance democracy and prosperity in Africa and elsewhere, we must deal with Aids."
Turning to the continent's debt problems, he said: "We need another round of debt relief and it should include more countries."
South Africa and Nigeria should also qualify for relief as the continent depended on them to a large extent.
"Debt relief is an affordable way to release money for development," Clinton said.
A new era might lay ahead for the continent.
"For the first time in history, the rest of the world is not interested in working for or against Africa, but working with Africa."
Clinton said one thing the world could learn from Mandela was how to build a community across divisions such as race and religion.
In expanding on the topic, Clinton evoked laughter with a veiled reference to his sexual encounter with a White House intern that marred his presidency.
He cited an earlier book his wife wrote about the importance of the community, adding: "Not this best-seller..."
She recently hit the best-seller list with a book about her years in the White House in which she recounted the moment Clinton told her about his affair.
The title of Hilary's first book originated from an old African proverb: "It takes a village to raise a child."
"If we live in a global village, we are all responsible for every child," Clinton said.
"Life is a lot more interesting because of our differences, but our common humanity matters more."
This was the lesson of Mandela's life -- love your neighbour as you love yourself.
"If that path is taken... then the African village, Mandela's village, will the inspiration of the entire world," Clinton said.
Clinton warmly embraced Mandela at the end of his address, and the audience sang Happy Birthday to Madiba.
The event started about 20 minutes late because Mandela attended the funeral of his daughter-in-law, Zondi Mandela, who died of pneumonia last week. She was married to Mandela's only surviving son, Makgatho.
The highlight of Mandela's birthday celebrations will be a formal banquet at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday night.
The guest list, organisers said, included "royalty, presidents, diplomats, South African stars, Hollywood stars, politicians ... as well as members of his staff such as the cook and gardener".
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