Former South Africa president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela is spending his 93rd birthday with friends and relatives in his rural hometown today, the village of Qunu, as South Africans pay tribute to the anti-apartheid icon through song and community service projects. For many South Africans, the elder statesman is also thought of as a beloved family member and referred to by his clan name, Madiba. He became South Africa’s first black president after spending 27 years in prison for his fight against apartheid.
In a press statement, President Obama calls Mandela “a beacon for the global community.”
In 2003, he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. In 2009, Mandela’s birthday was declared as an international day devoted to public service where people around the world have been asked to mark the occasion by giving 67 minutes of their time to work in their local community – one minute for every year of Mandela’s public service. –yvette caslin
Statement by the President and Mrs. Obama on Nelson Mandela International Day:
As the people of the world celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 93rd birthday on July 18, Madiba continues to be a beacon for the global community, and for all who work for democracy, justice and reconciliation. On behalf of the people of the United States, we congratulate Nelson Mandela, and honor his vision for a better world.
Nelson Mandela said, ‘There is no passion to be found playing small —in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.’ A man who devoted 67 years of his life to public service, Madiba sets the standard for service worldwide, whether we are students, shopkeepers or farmers, cabinet ministers or presidents. He calls on us to serve our fellow human beings, and better our communities.
Michelle and my daughters, Sasha and Malia, recently met Madiba during an official visit to South Africa that focused on service, youth leadership, education and healthy living. Their time with Madiba was the most moving part of their trip. Mandela’s legacy exemplifies wisdom, strength and grace, and on the anniversary of his birth we salute the example of his life.
In 2009, the United States was honored to join 192 other United Nations member states in the creation of Nelson Mandela International Day. As the global community honors Madiba on July 18 through individual and collective acts of service, we honor the man who showed his own people, and the world, the path to justice, reconciliation and democracy.
