Follow Madiba's example

Today is Mandela Day, the 93rd birthday of former president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who was born on July 18 1918.

Affectionately known to all South Africans by his clan name, Madiba, and Tata (isiXhosa for father), Mandela represents many things: the importance of respecting others, the importance of standing by our beliefs, dignity, equality, humility, strength, determination, selflessness and, above all, forgiveness.

Loved the world over, Madiba has received more than 250 awards from around the globe, including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize. He is a leader whose belief in standing up for what is right and fair saw him jailed for 27 years.

South Africans view Madiba as their own, but so does the entire world. He is a man whose very presence, and all he stands for, cannot be confined to a single country. We share Tata Madiba with the world.

To honour Mandela, the United Nations launched Nelson Mandela International Day in 2009. Inaugurated in 2010, the day symbolises a call to action for people across the world to take responsibility for making the world a better place, improving life for themselves and for others, one small step at a time.

The Mandela Day slogan "Take action. Inspire change. Make every day a Mandela day" aims to encourage people to make a difference by encouraging positive change.

How can we make that change? Start simple: devote just 67 minutes (symbolising the 67 years Mandela devoted to fighting for human rights) of your time on Mandela Day to helping others and making positive change.

It's easy. Look around and you'll find a needy cause.

Achmat Dangor, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, suggests a host of potential activities.

"They could range from helping clean or upgrade public facilities like schools, orphanages and clinics, donating books to community libraries, doctors volunteering their leisure time, pupils and educators teaching others what our country's flag and constitution stands for.

"It is our hope that these efforts, taken together, will lead to the unfolding of a national movement of good among South Africans that transcends race, culture ideology," said Dangor.

EASY WAYS YOU CAN HELP:

• Put together a food parcel and give it to someone in need.
•  Buy blankets, or grab some at home, and give them to a person who needs them.
•  Organise a clean-up of your local park, river, beach, street, town square or sports ground.
•  Donate the clothes and shoes you no longer wear to someone who will wear them.
•  Help out at the local animal shelter.
•  Help someone get a job by putting together their CV or help them with their interview skills.
•  Have an HIV test and encourage your partner to do the same.
•  Donate your skills.
•  Recycle your plastic, glass and paper to help your environment.