News Africa
World celebrates Mandela Day
The increasingly frail Mandela will spend his birthday with his family
in Johannesburg [AFP]
The world is marking the first Nelson Mandela International Day to commemorate the birthday of South Africa's first black president, who turns 92 on Sunday.
The United Nations had last year agreed to commemorate Mandela's birthday every year to recognise the Nobel Peace Prize laureate's contribution to resolving conflicts and promoting race relations, human rights and reconciliation.
In a statement, Mandela's office quotes him as saying, "I like being with young children".
Revered figure
Mandela was 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.
He stepped down as president in 1999, after serving one term in office and is still revered around the world for promoting peace and fighting against racism and HIV/Aids.
South Africa celebrated the 20th anniversary of Mandela's release from prison on February 11, a day credited with shaping the history of the country.
Jacob Zuma, the president of South Africa, is expected to address thousands of villagers at Mandela's birthplace Mvezo on Sunday.
"Mandela'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.
People around the globe have been urged to devote 67 minutes on Sunday to public service, to honour Mandela's 67 years of service.
10 comments:
He deserves that honour. Thanks for this.
How wonderful that Mandela has a special day!
KleinsteMotte, thanks for popping in. Isn't it great that Mandela is recognized!
EG Wow, I'm blessed by your visit :-) So glad you agree that Mandela should have a special day.
What a wonderful man. He has been a strong example his entire life.
Yes, he certainly has Lyn. I remember admiring him so much for his stoicism and strength in the face of great adversity while he was imprisoned. I believe that "right" ultimately prevails.
I remember when he visited Australia in 1990 before he became President of South Africa.
Certainly a great man..... just googled and read about 250 awards he received.
Thanks for the post.
Blessings - Jan
Hi Jan, Mr. Mandela is a man of great acclaim and great awards. I appreciate though how much he loves children (he spent a good part of his birthday with them) and his family.
I remember when he visited Australia in 1990 before he became President of South Africa.
Certainly a great man..... just googled and read about 250 awards he received.
Thanks for the post.
Blessings - Jan
What a wonderful man. He has been a strong example his entire life.
KleinsteMotte, thanks for popping in. Isn't it great that Mandela is recognized!
EG Wow, I'm blessed by your visit :-) So glad you agree that Mandela should have a special day.
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