Millions of South Africans celebrated Nelson Mandela’s 93rd birthday yesterday, on a day that has become internationally known as Mandela Day.
The day urges people around the world to take concrete action in service of others and play their part in changing the world for the better.
Mandela has retired from public life, but has given his blessing to this day because it puts into concrete action the ‘Madiba’ spirit. Mandela continues to challenge younger people to take up the fight for a fairer, more peaceful world.
“It is time for the next generations to continue our struggle against social injustice and for the rights of humanity,” he said. “It is in your hands.”
Mandela spent 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity, and so people are asked to dedicate 67 minutes of their time on Mandela Day to serving their community and helping to build a global movement for good.
Millions of South Africans across the country got involved in doing something for others.
Archbishop Tutu, as Chair of the Elders group of leaders, yesterday asked people to get involved: “On his birthday, Madiba has asked us to do something, not for him, but for our fellow human beings.
“Join us in marking Mandela Day by celebrating our collective power to do good for others and making the world we share a happier and fairer place.”
Mandela's wife and fellow founder of The Elders, Graça Machel said: “Mandela Day is a chance for each of us to do what we can for the human family that Madiba cares so much about.
“It is a beautiful way of recognising that we can all do good, that we have love and kindness in our hearts and that we can all make a difference to the lives of our neighbours.”