In South Africa, a nationwide campaign with people singing Happy Birthday to Mandela was held on July 18 and an exhibition titled 'Take Action! Inspire Change' in honour of Mandela was also opened at the UN Headquarters in New York to mark his birthday.

NELSON MANDELA turned 93 on July 18 as the world commemorated Nelson Mandela Day by sparing 67 minutes of the day for community service. Mandela observed his birthday with his family in his native village of Qunu.

The time of 67 minutes of community service is representative of the 67 years of Mandela's public service period.

In South Africa, a nationwide campaign with people singing Happy Birthday to Mandela was held. Also a special song created for the occasion was sung by most school children on the morning of July 18.

Also, South Africa's radio stations aired the special birthday song dedicated to Mandela simultaneously at the time coinciding with the time of his release from prison 21 years ago.

An exhibition titled “Take Action! Inspire Change” in honour of Mandela was also opened at the UN Headquarters in New York to mark the Nelson Mandela International Day. According to UN, the exhibition was dedicated to Mandela, who devoted his life to service of humanity.

One may recall that it was on 27 April, 2009, that the UN declared July 18 to be observed as Nelson Mandela International Day to honour his legacy of social justice and peace.