At a summit last week, South African President Jacob Zuma surprised his political rival, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, with a special birthday cake, and temporarily settled political differences as the two joked and enjoyed a round of “Happy Birthday” on what could have been a contentious day.

From the South African newspaper, The Times:

President Jacob Zuma surprised his political opponent, Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, with a large chocolate birthday cake this afternoon.

“We just have a small cake to say happy birthday to you,” Zuma said to Buthelezi after meeting opposition leaders at Tuynhuys in Cape Town.

“Why do you do this to me?” a smiling Buthelezi said.

The opposition leaders, who were reported to have held “frank” and “constructive” discussions, launched into a rendition of “Happy Birthday” and “How Old Can You Be”.

“Among us there is one who has a birthday – I am not sure if he is the youngest or the eldest,” Zuma said before unveiling the cake.

Buthelezi, 81, laughed and shook hands with opposition party leaders as he sliced up the cake, which had the message “Happy Birthday Prince Buthelezi” iced onto it.

What a sweet story. Let’s hope we can all learn a lesson about the power of birthdays, and here’s to more birthdays for us all.