South Africans celebrated Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela's 94th birthday today, July 18 by participating in good deeds nationwide to honor the legacy of the famous statesman.
Citizens performed at least 67 minutes of community service today, a reference to the number of years he devoted to helping others.
Also, the nation's 12 million schoolchildren began their day with a special birthday song, ringing with the line: "We love you father".
"As we celebrate his birthday, we remember that he fought for us in the struggle. The struggle was to fight apartheid," said 12-year-old Kgaugelo Masunhloane at Batsogile primary school in Soweto.
"He spent 27 years in prison. We would want to say thank you Madiba, and we wish you happy birthday, and many more years to come."
Mandela, known fondly by his clan name Madiba, is unlikely to make any public appearances, but rather to spend a quiet day with his family in his village home of Qunu, where he has retired from public life.
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| Children sing happy birthday in honour of former South African President Nelson Mandela during celebrations for Mandela's birthday in Mvezo, South Africa. |
The United Nations designated July 18 as Mandela Day in 2009.
Happy Birthday and many more years of celebration!!!
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