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Tuesday 19 July 2011

Mandela's 93rd birthday celebrated

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Millions of South African schoolchildren sang happy birthday to Nelson Mandela as he turned 93 Monday, while politicians and ordinary citizens did charity work to support his call to do good.
For the third year, at the request of his charitable foundation, July 18 is observed as Mandela Day, recognised by the United Nations as a global call to volunteer for good causes for 67 minutes - representing each year of Mandela's life in active politics.
The nation's 12.5 million schoolchildren sang "Happy Birthday" before starting class Monday, with television and radio stations urging the nation to join in the special rendition of the song, given an African twist by a local composer. "He must relax and must not get sick. He must live long," said 10-year-old Kabelo Masemola, whose Johannesburg school suspended extra-curriculars for the week so the students can do volunteer work instead.
Tributes also came from world leaders, with British Prime Minister David Cameron saluting Mandela's legacy during his visit to South Africa on Monday.
US President Barack Obama hailed Mandela as "a beacon for the global community, and for all who work for democracy, justice and reconciliation." "Mandela's legacy exemplifies wisdom, strength and grace, and on the anniversary of his birth we salute the example of his life," he said. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who like Mandela has won the Nobel Peace Prize, said he had sent good wishes to Mandela and his wife Graca Machel, as the couple is also celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary.

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