S Africans called to emulate Madiba

South Africans should embrace the noble values of selflessness, compassion, generosity and love by dedicating their time doing something good for their communities.

The former president will celebrate his 92nd birthday on Sunday under this year's theme of "Make everyday a Nelson Mandela Day". The day is a day of public service when the public are encouraged to do something good for at least 67 minutes in honour of the over 67 years that Madiba dedicated to the public service.

The main celebrations, which will be addressed by President Jacob Zuma, will take place at the former president's birthplace in Mvezo village in the Eastern Cape. The village is one of the poor communities in the country.

Madiba's grandson Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela said it was an honour that activities will be taking place in Mvezo. "We are really honoured as a family to be identified and Mvezo to be identified as the place where the national activities will take place," he said.

He said as part of the build up to the day, building of new roads leading to the village, the renovation of a primary school as well as a clinic site designated for the area have been completed. A multipurpose centre will handed over to the community on Sunday.

According to his grandson, Madiba will celebrate his birthday at his Houghton home with family that will fly up from Mvezo as well as Qunu. School children from across the provinces will via link up sing happy birthday to the former president.

Other activities planned are the painting of walls at the Chris Baragwanath hospital in Johannesburg. - BuaNews