Feature: Millions sing, pray for Mandela

JOHANNESBURG (Xinhua) - As former South African president Nelson Mandela turned 95 on Thursday, South Africans from all works of life came out in huge numbers to celebrate his birthday by spending 67 minutes of their time assisting the less privileged.  

Mandela's birthday, which falls on July 18, was declared in 2009 by the United Nations Assembly as the Nelson Mandela International Day. On this day, people from over the world are urged to spend 67 minutes of their time doing good things.

The call is made in honor of Mandela who spent 67 years of his life fighting for social justice, human rights and freedom of South Africans from the oppressive apartheid regime.

This year's celebrations took place with the theme of Take Action, Inspire Change and Make Every Day a Mandela Day with a focus on shelter, literacy and food security.

Students in South Africa had a unique way of celebrating Mandela's 95th birthday. At exactly 8:00 a.m. local time, all schools throughout the country sang happy birthday for Mandela.

At a German international school in Johannesburg, about 972 students sang the birthday song in front of a big portrait on the podium, showing a smiling Madiba (Mandela's clan name).

Imaan Essop, a Grade 12 pupil at the school, said, "I just want to wish Madiba a very happy birthday and thank him so much for building (the country) and being the father of a beautiful nation in South Africa. Thank you Tata (father), we love you and thank you for all the opportunities you have opened up for us."

Meanwhile, President Jacob Zuma called on the nation and the world to celebrate Madiba's birthday in style by giving off their time and skills to "make our country, our continent and the world a better place".

Some non-governmental organizations and individuals distributed books to poor schools while others donated food and blankets to the needy.

People from Alex FM, a local community radio station, Lancet Laboratories, a medical company and Action Support Center, a non- governmental organization, spent their 67 minutes at Joseph Gerald Old Age Home in Alexandra, Johannesburg, painting the center and providing medical and sanitary service.

Precious Mukwebo of Alex FM said she felt good to do good on Mandela Day. "It feels very great, because it feels good being able to give back to people and being selfless and I wish if I had the power, I could do this every single day."

Lucia Mazibuko, who has worked at the center for the past five years, said she wants every day to be a Mandela Day.

"We are excited. We thank you very much. Our grandmothers and our mothers did not get an opportunity to be treated well like this. We thank you for everything you have done for us," she said.

Civil rights groups also staged campaigns for those whose rights are being trodden while charity groups were launching fundraising activities for those in dire need. These activities are expected to continue till the end of July.