As the world celebrates one of the greatest men alive’s 95th birthday, Nelson Mandela remains in hospital.
The former president who led the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa has been critically ill since June 8th. He’s currently in hospital in Petoria with a lung infection.
According to the BBC, South African President Jacob Zuma said in a statement: “When I visited him today… I was able to say ‘happy birthday’ and he was able to smile.”
Despite Mandela’s illness, people all around the globe are celebrating the incredible man’s birthday for him.
It’s also Nelson Mandela International Day, people in South Africa and all over the world people are honouring his 67 years of public service with 67 minutes of charitable acts.
In New York, a large painting of Mandela features in Times Square whilst entrepreneur Richard Branson, has promised to “make the world a better place, one small step at a time,” by doing 67 minutes of community service.
Social media site Twitter has also been inundated with birthday messages for South Africa’s first black president. Barack Obama (@BarackObama) tweets: “Michelle and I extend our warmest wishes and prayers to Nelson Mandela on the occasion of his 95th birthday.”
Other Twitter users sending their best wishes include British artist Labrinth (@LabrinthDa1st) who says: “A freedom fighter, a terrorist, a prisoner, a President = The Greatest Man of Our Generation #Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela!!!” and Amnesty International (@amnesty): “Happy 95th Birthday to Nelson Mandela – a true champion of human rights! #MandelaDay”.
You can find out more about Mandela Day and what you can do here: http://www.mandeladay.com