Ters n cell

s women’s year. I need hardly mention he name of Margaret Thatcher. Despite the collapse of her world-wide mpire and her emergence from the econd World War as a 3rd-rate power, ritain is in many respects still the entre of the world.

But about you, darling Mum. At 45 ou have changed so much from the ight we sat alone in the open veld outh of the city. Yet as the youth rains away from your veins as your nce full and smooth face shows signs f erosion and the magnetic omplexion that made you so desirable n the 50s continues to fade, the more ou become adorable, the more I long o cuddle up to you. You are everything Mum should be.

Happy birthday, darling Mum! I OVE YOU!

Devotedly, Madiba.

Dear Mr Healey, I crave your indulgence in a personal matter. I should be grateful if you would be so kind as to arrange a scholarship in England for my grand-niece, Miss Xoliswa Matanzima. You may discuss the matter with my friends, Lord Astor and Mrs Barbara Castle, to whom please convey my fond regards.

Good health and cheer to you, your family and to all friends. My family and I are well. Sincerely yours. Dear Champ,

It pleased me and my family very much to learn that the Central State University has awarded you an honorary doctorate. We must also thank you for the boxing gloves you sent to mark my 70th birthday.

It is such messages of solidarity which has enabled me and scores of others to remain so strong and full of hope throughout these trying times.

Fondest regards and best wishes

Extracted from The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela, published by WW Norton & Co, and priced at £25.

PRISON VISITOR Mandela in his former cell in 1998 MINISTER Nephew KD Matanzima FAVOUR Labour MP Denis Healey GIFT Boxer Tyson

NELSON Mandela walked free from Victor Verster Prison on February 11, 1990, ending his 10,052 days behind bars. He entered custody a 44-yearold father of five and left it as a 71-year-old grandfather.