JOHANNESBURG

South Africans united for acts of charity in remembrance of Nelson Mandela, the global statesman who would have turned 107 years old Friday.

The United Nations in 2009 designated July 18 as International Nelson Mandela Day to celebrate Mandela’s birthday, and commemorate the fight against racism and apartheid.

The Kwazulu-Natal provincial government used the day to hand over 37 houses to families affected by floods which hit the coastal province earlier this year.

In the city of Kimberley, in Northern Cape Province, members of the South African National Defense Forces (SANDF) painted and cleaned the Seochoareng old age home as part of commemorations.

“Dr. Nelson Mandela inspired us to lend a hand to those who cannot help themselves. We should come to the rescue when we see there is a need and to uplift those who need to be uplifted,” Col. Barney Mothlabakwe, the commanding officer at the army support base in Kimberley, told public broadcaster SABC. Residents of the home were also given gifts.

“Today is a very beautiful day. It feels like Christmas,” said one resident.

South Africans dedicated 67 minutes to do good as a tribute to the number of years Mandela spent in public service.

President Cyril Ramaphosa urged South Africans to honor Mandela’s legacy every day by reaching out to people and organizations around them that need help.

“As we roll up our sleeves with acts of kindness and support today, we are reminded that building a better society and a better world is in our hands,” he wrote on X. “Let’s be here for one another.”

Born July 18, 1918, in the village of Mvezo in Eastern Cape Province, Mandela spent 27 years in prison for opposing the apartheid regime.

He became the first democratically elected president of South Africa in 1994. Despite his long term in jail, Mandela did not exercise bitterness, rancor or revenge against his tormentors.

He instead chose reconciliation and forgiveness to unite racial groups in South Africa. His leadership approach and ability to bring everyone together won him global admiration and the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize.

Independent political economist Dale McKinley told Anadolu that Mandela left a positive legacy as a man who sought peace, justice and brought South Africans together during the difficult time of transition from apartheid to democracy.

He said Mandela embraced progressive constitutional values, inclusivity and tolerance.