Nelson Mandela overcomes all odds to celebrate 95th birthday

Johannesburg: South Africans are preparing to celebrate the 95th birthday of Nelson Mandela on Thursday, even as the former president remains critically ill in a hospital. The Nelson Mandela Center of Memory and other groups have asked people to volunteer 67 minutes to charity in honor of what they say are the 67 years that Mandela served his community. [caption id=“attachment_962931” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Nelson Mandela. AFP.[/caption] The United Nations has also recognized the anti-apartheid leader’s birthday as an opportunity to honor his legacy, and activities are planned around the globe. President Jacob Zuma will mark the occasion by overseeing the donation of houses to poor families in the Pretoria area. Mandela was admitted to a Pretoria hospital on 8 June for a recurring lung infection. Meanwhile President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are sending their wishes and prayers to the former South African leader. The Obamas say the world can honor Mandela by heeding his example and serving others. The couple met with Mandela’s family last month while in South Africa and visited Robben Island, where the anti-apartheid figure spent 18 years as a political prisoner. The president and first lady say they were deeply moved by the visit to the prison. They say Mandela’s commitment to equality, dignity and reconciliation should be a beacon for future generations. AP