Charity events are held around South Africa to mark the countdown to Mandela’s 92nd birthday
By APWednesday, May 12, 2010
Events held in South Africa to recognize Mandela
JOHANNESBURG — Nelson Mandela’s foundation is gearing up for his 92nd birthday in July, hoping even more people around the world will mark it this year with community service projects.
The foundation organized events in three South African cities on Wednesday — which marks 67 days before Mandela’s birthday. The foundation says it chose that timing to mark Mandela’s 67 years of service to humanity.
People joined to paint murals, sort clothes for the needy and tend to community gardens. Some also read stories to children, with each event taking place for only 67 minutes.
“I’m so happy, I wanted to finish cleaning this whole yard but the 67 minutes was over,” said 58-year-old Lillian Mbo, who has a grandchild in a school for disabled children where activities took place in Johannesburg.
Last year people around the world marked the first Mandela Day on July 18 with volunteer projects. The United Nations officially adopted the date as Nelson Mandela International Day following a campaign in South Africa.
Mandela, who retired from public life in 2004, became South Africa’s first black president after spending 27 years in prison for his fight against apartheid.
The United Nations will open an exhibition and a concert will be held in Madrid between now and July 18 in honor of Mandela Day.
