S Africa celebrates Mandela's 94th birthday

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa on Wednesday observed its first democratically-elected president Nelson Mandela's 94th birthday by launching many meaningful events.

Former South African president Nelson Mandela looks on as he celebrates his birthday at his house in Qunu, Eastern Cape July 18, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

In his birthday wishes to Mandela, South African President Jacob Zuma called on South Africans to keep Mandela's legacy of compassion, unity and love.

"Madiba (Mandela is often known as Madiba in South Africa) has been leading from the front from the 1940s to 1994. After 1994 he led us of the path of unity, transparency and reconciliation," Zuma said.

"Government has committed itself to continuing Mandela's legacy and will continue the long walk to fight inequality, unemployment and poverty. We urge all our people to continue to live by the values Madiba lived by to make this country and the world a better place," Zuma said.

Nelson Mandela, with his term of president from 1994 to 1999 in South Africa, was born on July 18, 1918, turning 94 on Wednesday.

In November, 2009, the UN General Assembly declared July 18 annual Nelson Mandela International Day in recognition of Mandela's commitment to building a democratic society that is united, non-racial and prosperous.

The South African government spokesperson Jimmy Manyi on Wednesday asked the people to use Mandela Day for the good for their community, country and the world.

"Madiba is very special to South Africa in many ways, having dedicated his entire adult life to the relentless fight for freedom, democracy, peace and stability in our country," Manyi said.

The government officials, individuals and companies made contributions in various ways as "Madiba magic" gripped South Africa.

Some people celebrated Mandela's 94th birthday by dedicating their 67 minutes to assisting their communities, such as donating to the poor and painting schools.

Premier of the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal Zweli Mkhize did his 67 minutes to paint a school.  

In Johannesburg, some residents donated refrigerators, foodstuffs, utensils, television sets to poor women and children.

"We encourage people to make the spirit of giving, assisting the underprivileged part of their lives. We must make every day of our lives a Mandela Day," One of the donators told Xinhua.

A student from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg said she did her 67 minutes of cleaning streets, saying "Today we cleaned the streets to express our thanks to our state father Nelson Mandela."

Birthday wishes were pouring from the other parts of the world.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon congratulated Mandela on his 94th birthday, saying "Happy Birthday, Nelson Mandela."

The US President Barack Obama sent his birthday message to Mandela. "Mandela's extraordinary life and steadfast commitment to the principles of democracy and reconciliation continues to be a beacon for people of all backgrounds who strive for dignity, justice, and freedom," the message said.