Nelson Mandela turned 93 on Monday surrounded by family, as South Africans and many across the World honored his legacy by performing at least 67 minutes of public service.
Sixty-seven is the number of years the former South African president devoted to public service.
Mandela spent the day in Qunu, in the Eastern Cape province where he grew up. Early Monday about 12 million students sang a special “Happy Birthday” song at the same designated time, nationwide.
A group called “Bikers for Mandela” rode around the country for eight days doing volunteer service, including painting playgrounds and planting trees. Their trip was scheduled to end in Pretoria on Mandela Day.
Mandela rarely makes public appearances, with his last sighting at the closing ceremonies of the World Cup in South Africa last year. Word has it that Mandela has suffered some memory loss, but seems to be in improved health since his hospitalization early this year for Pneumonia.
Under South Africa’s apartheid regime, Mandela spent 27 years in prison after being convicted of sabotage and attempts to overthrow the government. He was released in 1990 and became president in 1994.
by Melanie Nathan
07/18/2011
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PoochParkWear customizes hoodies and t-shirts, the good, the naughty, the in between, whether proud or quirky let them be seen. We also offer biker jackets, croc or pleather collars, a variety of collar charms, and our special Zinja beaded collars made by a co-op of HIV-positive South African women, the Sisonke women who weave the beads onto the collars.
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