QUNU, July 18, 2008 (AFP) - Seventy-year-old Zeblon Muthwa rose at the crack of dawn on Friday to saddle his horse for a 40-kilometer (25-mile) ride to join in Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday celebrations.

'He is like a father to all of us here in Qunu and the whole of Transkei,' said Muthwa as he dismounted in the village in South Africa's Eastern Cape province where the man everyone knows here as Madiba is marking his birthday.

'I have heard a lot about Madiba and today I'm hoping to see him in person ... I would really love to see him doing his famous Madiba dance.'

With Mandela only able to get around these days with the aid of a walking stick and his birthday celebrations being held behind closed doors, Muthwa's wish to see his hero dance a birthday jig was possibly somewhat optimistic.

But his desire to take part in the celebrations was matched throughout the region where Mandela grew up before his family was expelled and his father stripped of his chieftaincy for failing to attend a court hearing.

'I have heard that we are not invited (to Saturday's party) but I am going to put on my best suit and stand at the gate just to catch a glimpse of him,' said 60-year-old Thandile Geledwa who lives near the Mandela home.

In a brief chat with reporters in his home, Mandela -- dressed in one of his trademark patterned shirts -- spoke of his continuing bond with the region.

'This is my property. When I am here, I feel I own something,' he said, seated on a stool with a pale yellow rug wrapped around his legs.

The room was full of birthday presents from all over the world, including portraits and a bust of Mandela as well as a collection of photography books from well-known artists.

Although Mandela was spending Friday with his close family, he is throwing a party for 500 of South Africa's great and the good on Saturday.

The guests will pack into a giant marquee which has been erected within the grounds amid a heavy police presence.

Mandela is known for inviting locals into his parties with a stampede breaking out at one Christmas bash several years ago as so many people descended on his home in Qunu.

Saturday's banquet also promises to be a lavish affair with a number of cows due to be slaughtered to provide the freshest meat for the guests while the menu will feature traditional food such as tripe and sheep's heads.

Seven-year-old Neli Saba and her eight-year-old pal Zizipho Mahlati had come to the Mandela house in the hope of something a bit sweeter.

'We have come to eat the cake and see Tata o'Mkulu (grandfather) Madiba,' said Neli who recalled how she had been given a backpack when she attended a Mandela Christmas party five years ago.

In a pre-recorded birthday message, Mandela spoke of his gratitude that so many people wanted to share in his celebrations.

'We are honoured that you wish to celebrate the birthday of a retired old man who no longer has power or influence,' he said.

'We wish you well wherever you are. We are all celebrating and we thank you for joining me in those celebrations.'