Though he bowed out of public life last year, 90-year-old Nelson Mandela attended a rally at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg ahead of South Africa's general election.  

Wearing a T-shirt bearing the picture of the current ANC leader Jacob Zuma, the frail elder statesman was helped to the platform so he could acknowledge the 50,000 supporters chanting his name.  

He took a seat next to his ex-wife Winnie - the first time they have appeared publicly together in years.  

In a pre-recorded message addressing party divisions the leader told the crowd: "The ANC has the historic responsibility to lead our nation and help build a united, non-racial society. Working together we can do more"

Photo: � PA