n certain parts of Africa this cult of personality would seem downright sinister. But South Africa's first black president has the blessing of democrats around the world. His 91st birthday today – declared the first Mandela Day – is being celebrated in his homeland and beyond.
The events will highlight what has in effect become a one-man industry. Streets, squares, schools and a World Cup stadium are named after Mandela. His image looks out from books, posters and newspaper front pages. Later this year he will be played by Morgan Freeman in a Hollywood film. Four organisations in South Africa bear his name and seek to further his legacy.
