The legendary, consummate Nelson Mandela turned 91 on July 18, Saturday. To pay rhetorical tribute to his being and bequest, South Africans have charted to utilise 67minutes of their time to do community service. Sixty seven was the decided number because Mandela spent 67 years of his life fighting for justice, freedom, peace and black rights.

The modest noble prize winner will spend his birthday at home amongst kin and close friends. Nelson Mandela, a man par excellence, who worked ceaselessly for the fight against AIDS and his keenness in patching up with those who discriminated against him, shows the greatness of the man.

Ruth Rensburg, the resource development manager at the Nelson Mandela Foundation was optimistic that people would actively pursue community service not just on his birthday but every day to bring about a positive change in the lives of the needy and deprived. Rensburg further stated that it is in our hands to make a better world. He said that Mandela Day will not be a holiday but a day dedicated to service.

Meanwhile several South Africans have been calling up radio stations to proclaim their support to endorse Mandela’s legacy. To celebrate the day, a concert is being held at Radio City Music Hall, NYC at 8p.m., being hosted by Whoopie Goldberg, with performances from Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Queen Latifah, Cyndi Lauper, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Aretha Franklin amongst others, also including well-known African artists and other guest performances.