91 today.

OK..it's time to name drop again.

When Nelson Mandela visited Australia a few years ago I stood behind a cordoned off media section (they sensibly imprison us hacks in a pen) as he was about to arrive at a large function in the Sydney Hilton Hotel.

All manner of people were there to dine with the man. Captains of industry, media barons, billionaires. politician from all parties including 2 former Prime Ministers.

Notably absent was the then PM John Howard who with Margaret Thatcher were the only 2 world leaders to oppose his release.

When Mandela arrived, flanked by minders and the rich and powerful it was an extraordinary sight.

Here was a man who looks like a majestic King with regal bearing, head held high. Yet he exudes an aura of the most amazingly humbleness. I immediately saw why even his jailers learned to love the man.

I've seen one other great person with a similar aura. Shuffling through a large hall during the 2000 Olympics. Mohamed Ali-a giant of a man with a body crippled by a dreadful disease but with a face that shines.

Happy birthday Mr Mandela !!