I believe that in Nelson Mandela's heart is the wish that as we celebrate him, we look inside and be strong, and finally see the truth that the hero lies in all of us.

Every day that we make sacrifices to serve others we become Mandela's heroes.

Mandela's heroes are public servants who practise "Batho Pele" daily; citizens who report crime; teachers, nurses and policemen who serve diligently; those unsung heroes who take care of orphans, vulnerable children, people living with HIV and the elderly; those politicians who refuse to be corrupt or corrupted, and the young people who choose their studies over drugs, alcohol and unprotected sex.

A US theologian once said: "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive."

Mandela's heroes have an impact on the lives of others. They still have hope.

As Steve Biko said: "You are either alive and proud or you are dead, and when you are dead, you can't care anyway."