Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president, turned 92 yesterday, as the world celebrated the first international day in his honor.
Global leaders and ordinary people in South Africa and abroad have committed to devoting 67 minutes of their time to community service, to mark the number of years Mandela spent in politics.
His birthday last year was recognized by the UN as “Nelson Mandela International Day” and will be celebrated across the world.
PHOTO: EPA
The increasingly frail leader was spending the day with family at his home, north of Johannesburg.
Neighbors in the plush suburb of Houghton were milling outside the high perimeter walls of Madiba’s home, hoping to catch a glimpse of the iconic leader.
“I have been here since 8am. Maybe I might be lucky and see him,” said Jessy Martina holding a “Happy Birthday Madiba” sign.
Children with handmade birthday cards and flowers were standing with their parents outside the gate, amid tight security, waiting to hand over their birthday messages to family members.
“We expect more people to arrive during the day. Unfortunately no one would be allowed in, but we can’t chase them away,” a police officer stationed outside the house said.
“The family has asked for privacy,” the officer said.
Local politicians united in wishing the anti-apartheid icon well on his birthday, with international leaders hailing his contribution to global politics and the fight for human rights.
“President Mandela has given 67 years of his life, now what we all could do is try to use 67 minutes of our lives, and change the world for the better,” former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari said.
Ahtisaari is a member of The Elders, an independent group of eminent global leaders formed by Mandela in 2008.
Mandela had been jailed for 27 years by the country’s white minority government for resisting apartheid rule.
On his release in 1990, he led negotiations with apartheid rulers, a process that culminated in his election as the country’s first black president in 1994.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described Mandela as a hero to people of all backgrounds.
“His story is filled with an amazing strength and integrity of spirit. There is no one more deserving of this unprecedented international recognition,” Clinton said.
“I am delighted to offer him my warmest wishes on this special day,” she added.
Mandela has made few public appearances since he retired from public life in 2004.
Last week he arrived at the World Cup closing ceremony to wave at adoring football fans before the final match kick-off. He did not stay for the game.
He had campaigned for the country to host the event, but the death of his great-grandchild on the eve of the tournament’s opening forced him to cancel his planned appearance.
South African President Jacob Zuma was to address thousands of villagers at Mandela’s birthplace Mvezo, one of the poorest areas in the country.
Even in poor Mvezo villagers have been urged to spend 67 minutes of their time helping each other.
“Madiba’s 67 years of uninterrupted and selfless service to the people of South Africa and the world culminated in the birth of a new South Africa, united in diversity,” Zuma said in a statement.
Mandela used to celebrate his birthday by throwing a feast for the village, with several cows being slaughtered.
He stepped down as president in 1999, after serving one term in office. He is still revered around the world for promoting peace and fighting against racism and HIV/AIDS, through his 46664 campaign.
On Feb. 11, South Africa celebrated the 20th anniversary of Mandela’s release from prison — a day credited with shaping the history of the country.
“Nelson Mandela has given us a wonderful opportunity and duty to do something positive and active on Mandela Day,” former US president Jimmy Carter said.
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