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S. African president celebrates 73rd birthday

Xinhua, April 13, 2015 Adjust font size:

South African President Jacob Zuma on Sunday celebrated his 73rd birthday with a wish "for all South Africans to live together in peace and harmony".

"I would like to see an entrenchment of national unity and togetherness, where all citizens regard themselves as one another' s keepers, and where we come together to solve problems and build a united and prosperous South Africa together," Zuma said in a statement.

Zuma's children organized a private celebratory family gathering at the presidential official residence in Durban.

The Presidency wishes the President a restful and happy 73rd birthday, presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj said.

"I am grateful for the gift of life. What makes me happy and contented, is to live in South Africa, a beautiful successful country with wonderful people, and which has a bright future," Zuma said.

"However, what keeps me awake at night is the amount of work we must still do to improve the lives of all, especially the poor, and the need for us all, government, communities and all sectors, to work faster each day towards a better life for all."

Zuma will travel to Cape Town for African National Congress (ANC) duties after the family luncheon, Maharaj said. Endi