Note: If viewing Michael Jackson Ultimate Archive on archive.org (Wayback Machine), please view the latest snapshot of this page for the most up-to-date information and media.

Nelson Mandela Visit

Date confirmed in “Associated Press” (“Saturday [July 20, 1996]”)

Michael Jackson, speech transcript

It is my pleasure; it is my honour to be here in South Africa. I love you people very much. I've had the time of my life here. I've had so much fun, I hate to leave. And I'm definitely looking for a home here to buy, ‘cause I would love to spent the rest of my life here. And we're definitely coming in January. And this is a wonderful, lovely man. I love Nelson Mandela very much. And thank you for all your hospitality.

[Reporter asks about music:]

I was working on it last night. This is a wonderful, lovely man – I love Nelson Mandela very much.

“Associated Press” (July 20, 1996)

Pop star Michael Jackson paid a courtesy visit to South African President Nelson Mandela Saturday.

On Friday, Jackson announced that South Africa will be part of his year long History world tour which starts in September.

Jackson has spent three days in South Africa, where he was greeted by enthusiastic crowd, and had the chance to meet some local wildlife.

Jackson was at the Presidential Palace Saturday to meet, once again, with President Mandela.

As Mandela walked out with Jackson to meet with the press, the 78-year old President joked about never having seen such a large gathering before.

Mandela welcomed Jackson to South Africa.

[Nelson Mandela:] "He just paid a courtesy visit and I am very happy indeed to be able to host him, even for just a few minutes. And he has made a great contribution to art, music and I am very happy that he is in our country."

Jackson said how happy he was to be there.

"It is my honor to be here in South Africa, I love you people very much, I've had the time of my life here. I've had so much fun, I hate to leave and I am definitely looking for a home here to buy. I would love to spend the rest of my life here. We are definitely coming in January and this is a wonderful, lovely man, I love Nelson Mandela very much and thank you for all you hospitality and all your love. Thank you very much."

The two men hugged for the cameras - a coming-together of two of the most well-known people on the planet.

But it is not only the President of South Africa who has welcomed Jackson.

His fans have been cheering him wherever he goes.

On his arrival in South Africa on Thursday thousands gathered at the airport.

And he was not alone at the Sun City resort, 200 kilometers (125 miles) northwest of Johannesburg where Jackson hugged and kissed children and lion cubs.

[Fan 1:] "It's like a dream come true."

[Fan 2:] "I touched him. I'm never going to wash my hands."

It is clear that many South African's are not going to forget Jackson's trip for a long time.