South Africans honor Nelson Mandela with charity work

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - Millions of South Africans on Tuesday spent 67 minutes doing charity work to honor Nelson Mandela.

Mandela, the first post-apartheid president, spent 67 years of his life dedicated to the struggle for his country’s freedom against white minority rule.

In a message to mark International Nelson Mandela Day, President Jacob Zuma called on South Africans to use the day to fight against poverty, inequality and unemployment, which are widespread in the country.

“If you could make a few people to be employed on this day, you would have made a contribution,” Zuma said in a video message.

A day to mark Mandela's life was officially endorsed by the UN in 2009 and is commemorated annually on his birthday.

Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison for opposing the apartheid government, died in December 2013, aged 95.

Cabinet ministers and other government officials spent their time meeting students, donating computers and cleaning public facilities.

In a tweet, the Palestine Liberation Organization said: “On Mandela Day, we remember a loyal friend of Palestine and our national liberation struggle.”

Mandela, who campaigned against oppression and injustice, is quoted as saying: “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”

Gauteng province Premier David Makhura and Human Settlements Minister Paul Mashatile spent their time helping building low-cost houses for the poor in Orange Farm near Johannesburg.

The Secretariat of the Pan African Parliament honored the late statesman by donating more than 100 pairs of school shoes to orphans at a childcare center in the city.

Others spent their time distributing food, blankets and clothing to homeless people.