The former South African president and anti-apartheid fighter Nelson Mandela celebrates his 94th birthday with his family on Wednesday in his home town of Qunu in the Eastern Cape.
Although, Mandela might be celebrating his birthday in a low-key fashion with cake and family, South Africa and the world celebrate International Mandala Day with tributes on the internet, South Africans holding up signs and banners honoring him. The people of South Africa attended a 67 minute public service, each minute signifying a year Nelson Madiba's, as he is lovingly called, served his country.
Mmusi Maimane, spokesman of the Democratic Alliance, the opposition party said, ""He has lived an exemplary life and we want to wish him well and good health. Ultimately, we want to say: 'Thank you, Madiba.' Because every time his birthday comes around, it reminds us of who we can become as a nation and what type of leaders we can produce," as covered by latimes.com
South Africa was not alone is paying homage to the great leader; U.S. President Barrack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama released a statement as follows, "On behalf of the people of the United States, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Nelson Mandela on the occasion of his 94th birthday and the fourth annual Nelson Mandela International Day," as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Former president Bill Clinton and daughter Chelsea visited Mandela in honor of his 94th birthday on Tuesday.
Mandela fought relentless against the apartheid in South Africa using Gandhian tactics such as peaceful resistance and non-violent aggression. He was imprisoned for 27 years under the apartheid regime. In 1994 he became South Africa's first black president. In 2009, the United Nations declared Mandela's birthday, July 18, as International Mandala Day to honor and celebrate the legendary leader.
